Do we want a greater manifestation of the Lord’s Presence in our midst? If we do, God would be better glorified. In addition, He would also be delighted that more people were getting saved. There are four key passages which all state or suggest the same basic message about how to experience this. These are 2 Chronicles 6-7:2, Acts 2, Joel 2, and Psalm 149 plus their contexts.
What is needed for the fire of God’s Presence to fall? We must be humble and repentant enough to submit to the Lord. We develop knowledge of Him and His ways for the purpose of deepening our obedient commitment to Him. As both subjects and sons/daughters, we enjoy and glorify Him through praise. In addition, He is glorified by our unity with other members of His family. However, living in this present evil age and being in Christ’s army, we do spiritual warfare to advance our Father’s rule in the lives of others. We want them, too, to experience His best. Finally, we pray. We listen and pray with every kind of prayer as the Spirit directs us (Eph 6:18). Naturally, prayer is the heart of warfare but it is, even more importantly, our spiritual lifeline to Abba, the Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. We enjoy listening to God and pouring out our heart to Him. When we, His people, act like this, His Presence will be strongly present to do signs and wonders that will confirm His message, help bring people to salvation, and glorify Him. He will be pleased – and that, ultimately, is our hearts’ desire.
A greater presence of the Lord in our lives should be worth this ‘sacrifice.’ After all, we should passionately be doing all of this if we are living the life to which He has called us. That life results in love and inexpressible joy (1 Pet 1:6-8).
Instead of being timid, learn to be appropriately bold.