The presence of the LORD GOD Almighty is the most important place we could ever be. Yet many times, we allow troubles, distractions, and pain to keep us away from HIS presence, when the WORD tells us that in HIS presence is FULNESS of joy, and at HIS right hand are PLEASURES forevermore (Psalms 16:11). So our GOD, in HIS sovereignty and faithfulness, finds a way to show us how to get back into HIS presence because HE desires fellowship and communion with us. This is where minstrels and worship leaders come in.
Through our life experiences, joys, and pains, the crafting of a song is born to stand as a testimony to the goodness, faithfulness, and sovereignty of our GOD. A song is described as a form of poetry and divine expression used to offer praise, record history, express sorrow or joy, and declare GOD’S truth. The word “song” comes from the Hebrew word “Tahelum”, which means “praise”. This is important because GOD instructs us to “Come before HIS presence with singing….enter HIS gates with thanksgiving and HIS courts with praise. Be thankful to HIM, and bless HIS Name” (Psalms 100:2-4).
For many who don’t feel they have a “song” to sing to the LORD, the psalmist David shows us how songs are crafted. Many of his psalms are preceded by an explanation of where he was and what he was doing when he wrote them, and many of them were not pleasant situations. Nevertheless, GOD requires us to come to HIM and be vulnerable, recognizing that HE is the only ONE WHO can touch us the way we need to be touched and fill us with the very thing our hearts are longing for.
Today, reflect on where the LORD has brought you from, how HE has delivered, healed, and taken care of you. Remember where you were when HE found you, and who you used to be. Think on how unworthy to even know HIM you are, but how HE loves you and wants the best for you. Then, allow a song of praise to fill your heart and come out of your mouth to let HIM know how grateful you are to be HIS. Use someone else’s song to take you to the gates of the LORD – no matter where you may physically be. Just get there, and sing the song of praise for the moment that will take you into HIS courts. Once you sense that you are in HIS “ATMOSPHERE”, give HIM worship that’s worthy of HIS Lordship, and watch your atmosphere shift from an ordinary place to the very place where you get to meet with a HOLY GOD.
FATHER, thank YOU for YOUR presence. Thank YOU that YOU love us so much! You desire communion and fellowship with us, which is why YOU sent YOUR very own SON, JESUS the CHRIST, to cleanse and renew us. We choose to enter YOUR gates and YOUR courts today with a song of gratitude and joy. We seize the invitation to come and have fellowship with YOU, taking advantage of the pleasures that are ours forevermore. Be glorified in our lives today, and allow us to sing songs that will draw others to YOU. In JESUS’ MIGHTY NAME we pray, Amen.
