Come Before His Presence Ps. 95: 1-11 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO
When we read in the Psalms about coming “before his presence,” [i.e., Ps 95:2], we are reading about people literally coming before the Lord’s presence during the millennial reign of Jesus Christ when he is ruling on the earth from the throne of David. In the New Testament, we don’t have to literally “come before his presence” since we are already there [Eph 2:6]. We are in Christ [Eph 5:30-32] and he is in us [Col 1:27].
Nevertheless, we can make a spiritual application to coming before the presence of the Lord because of passages like Hebrews 4:16 and Matt 11:28-30. In these passages we are invited to come to the Lord. When you make your petition to the Lord you want to know that you are “in” and that you have his undivided attention. Haven’t you heard people say, “I felt like the Lord was a million miles away?”
Therefore, we are going to preach three things that the Psalmist instructed in Psalm 95 about coming before the Lord’s presence. These three things will help you draw close to the Lord in fellowship when you pray before him. Come before his presence:
With thanksgiving – Ps 95:1-5 – “let us come before his presence with thanksgiving.” In everything give thanks [1 Thes 5:18]. Giving thanks always for all things unto God [Eph 5:20]. We should thank him for his salvation [Ps 95:1], for his rock solid strength [Ps 95:1], for his greatness [Ps 95:3], for his creation [Ps 95:4-5]. We are privileged to enjoy all that he has created and to benefit from his provision. The surge in sinfulness in our country is a testimony to the lack of gratitude for all that God is and all that he has done [Rom 1:21-32]. It is also the natural consequence of rejecting God as the Creator of all. Thank God for everything of which you can possibly think. The beauty of being so thankful is that you will be able to even thank God for the “bad” things, knowing that he is in charge. He makes all things “work together” for good to them that love him [Rom 8:28]. He is worthy.
With humility – Ps 95:6-7 – “bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.” The right way to come before God is prostrate. Daniel knelt and prayed three times each day [Dan 6:10]. Paul knelt to pray [Acts 20:36]. Moses fell upon his face to pray [Num 16:22]. Jesus fell upon his face to pray [Matt 26:39]. Far too many people curse, God, question God, revile God and hate God. Everyone of these will bow one day [Phil 2:10-11]. Even the devil will bow. So, don’t wait; bow now. He is worthy.
With surrender – Ps 95:7-11 – “Harden not your heart.” We are to present our bodies a living sacrifice unto God [Rom 12:1-2]. We are to glorify God in our bodies and in our spirits which are God’s [1 Cor 6:20]. Come before the Lord ready to do all that he desires, yielded to his power and control, totally surrendered to his will. His greatest blessings are upon those who are most yielded to him. Israel missed all the blessings the Lord promised that he would give them since they refused to obey him. Obey him. He is worthy.
Conclusion: when you come before the Lord thankful, humble and surrendered, you get in. Follow these three things each day before the Lord and you will enjoy the sweetest fellowship with him possible on this side of glory.