2 Chronicles 5:13-14 – “In unison, when the trumpeters and the singers were to make themselves heard with one voice to praise and to glorify the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice accompanied by trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and when they praised the Lord saying, “He indeed is good for His lovingkindness is everlasting,” then the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, ¹⁴ so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.”

As I read, prayed, pondered, and considered the Word, a reminder came to the forefront of my consciousness.

God’s Presence!  In 2 Chronicles 5:13-14, we have the details of what happened at the dedication of the temple.   (Keep this in your mind; our bodies are the temple of the Lord.)

They began to worship and praise God with singing and with Thanksgiving. They sang or chanted, “For He is good; for His mercy endures forever…”  At that moment, the glory cloud filled the house.  The Shekinah Glory was so powerful and prevalent that the priest could not stand to minister.   The house of the Lord (type of us) was filled with the brightness of His Glory!

2 Chronicles 7:1 informs us that after Solomon had finished praying, FIRE (type of the Holy Spirit) came down from heaven and consumed the sacrifice.

God manifests Himself when we truly worship Him with hearts of praise, thanksgiving, and prayer.   If we want a continual consciousness of and visitation by God, we have a key to receive.

Ephesians 5:18-21 – ”And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks to God the Father for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ and submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”  New English Translation (NET)

“And don’t get drunk with wine, which is rebellion; instead, be filled continually with the Holy Spirit.  ¹⁹ And your hearts will overflow with a joyful song to the Lord. Keep speaking to each other with words of Scripture, singing the Psalms with praises and spontaneous songs given by the Spirit!  ²⁰ Always give thanks to Father God for every person he brings into your life in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²¹ And out of your reverence for Christ, be supportive of each other in love.”  The Passion Translation (TPT)

The Key – – Sing to yourselves!   Speak to your inner person with Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (songs of worship and in the Spirit).  Sing and make melody with your heart to the Lord.   Give thanks ALWAYS for EVERYTHING in the name of Jesus!   I think of the song “I’ve Got Confidence.”   In good times and bad, remember God’s faithfulness and worship Him. 

We need God 24/7/365, not just in crisis. Having God’s presence ALL THE TIME is the only way to truly live. He is not a “break in case of emergency” tool. He is God, the LIVING GOD, and His eyes are on the righteous, looking for opportunities to bless.

Do you want God’s Presence 24/7/365?  Then, praise, worship, thanksgiving, and prayer are continual activities of your day.