Praise Invokes The Presence Of God
II Chronicles 5:13 – indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord saying, “ For he is good, for His mercy endures forever”, that the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God. This scripture demonstrates the power of God’s presence that results from corporate vocal praise. Note firstly that God descended when the people were unanimous and united in their “praise song”. Secondly, the cloud of God’s presence became evident when the singers and instrument players praised the Lord in song and music. This is the praise that pleases God more than the sacrifice of an ox or bull in Psalm 69:30, 31. The house (temple) was filled with a cloud; the rich and abundant splendor of God. God’s presence was preeminent and filled all of the sacred space. The result was that the priests were thrown to the floor and ceased their work, for the Lord of the work was present!
The Presence Of God Brings Victory
II Chronicles 20 offers a great lesson on the power of praise and the resulting presence of God. When its mortal enemies threatened Judah with annihilation, the people sought God in prayer and with faith in His word. They were encouraged by the word of a prophet to not be afraid, “for the battle is not yours, but God’s”. The Levites responded by praising God with “strong voices” and the appointed singers began to sing and praise. Here, “praise” is the Hebrew word “tehillah”, and is the same praise in which God is enthroned as referenced in Psalm 22:3. The results of the Levites’ praise are profound: God’s presence confounds three armies. There is a clear connection between praise to God and the defeat of the enemy. God inhabits the praise of His people; whenever and wherever they praise Him, He reigns among them and does miraculous things on their behalf.
Enter God’s Presence
-by Rose Hill
How do I enter God’s holy place
And receive of his wonderful favor and grace?
How do I come into His presence divine
And receive what I need everytime?
I must really seek the God above
And want to experience all of His love.
I must be sorry for every sin
And come the way of repentance to Him.
In the word of God I must take a look
And read and study His holy book.
In it I will see my own reflection
And allow God to make any correction.
This is how I enter God’s presence divine;
God’s word changes me every time.
Then I worship and praise in God’s holy place
With His glory and joy upon my face.