The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple. 1 Kings 8:11 (NLT)
Has there ever been a time in your life when you were so amazed at God’s presence that you simply had to pause? Pause to take Him in, pause to rejoice, pause to reflect on how amazing God truly is?
This happened to me just last week. I was folding a load of laundry, and I almost sank to my knees at the sight of dozens of tiny socks that needed to be paired up. No, it wasn’t the overwhelming task that stilled the movement of my hands (although that can be overwhelming at times), but the revelation of answered prayer. You see, my husband and I have felt God’s call to adopt for the last seven years. After many years of paperwork and disappointment, God blessed us with a baby girl.
And then recently we had two more little ones added to our home. Words of thanksgiving flowed through my lips as I folded those little socks, remembering the many, many times I was on my knees in my bedroom, crying out to God and asking Him why this adoption thing was so hard and why it took so long.
The truth was, because God knew the children He had for us…at the right time. For a while the work was waiting… and now the work is just work! But what a glorious work it is.
When I think of the priest who worked at God’s temple, I can imagine the awe they felt when God’s glorious presence came down. How spectacular! I can see those priests on their knees before God. Work can wait at times like this! Work can wait in our lives too.
“God’s true presence requires that we stop working in our strength and rely on His,” writes author Rachel Wojnarowski. This is true whether we are seeking to expand our family, seeking to find a loving husband, or seeking to further our career. Work can wait when God’s presence meets you…and your work will never be the same after that.
Faith step: Put your work aside for a while and just enjoy God’s presence.
