How should believers respond when sensing God's presence, as in Job 4:15? Job 4:15 – A Moment of Holy Awe “Then a spirit glided past my face; the hair on my flesh bristled.” (Job 4:15) Eliphaz describes an unmistakable brush with the supernatural. The physical reaction shows the weight of the moment and reminds believers that God’s nearness carries power that moves body, mind, and spirit. Recognizing Genuine Encounters with God - Scripture alone provides the standard for discernment. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1) - The Holy Spirit never contradicts the written Word (John 16:13). - A true encounter increases reverence for Christ and produces fruit that aligns with Galatians 5:22-23. First Response: Holy Awe - Silence before Him: “The LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.” (Habakkuk 2:20) - Stillness that allows His greatness to settle deeply: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) - Physical reactions such as trembling or tears are not signs of weakness; they echo biblical experiences (Daniel 10:8, Acts 9:4). Second Response: Humble Submission - Remove anything that dishonors His holiness. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” (Exodus 3:5) - Confess unclean lips and unclean living. “Woe is me, for I am ruined.” (Isaiah 6:5) - Draw near with a cleansed heart. “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8) Third Response: Listening and Discernment - Adopt Samuel’s posture: “Speak, for Your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10) - Allow Scripture to confirm what is heard; the Spirit always harmonizes with the Word. - Seek mature counsel when clarity is needed (Proverbs 11:14). Fourth Response: Worship Expressed in Obedience - True worshipers “will worship the Father in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23) - Awe that does not lead to action remains incomplete. “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) - Obedience proves the encounter genuine, echoing Paul’s immediate surrender in Acts 9:6. Living It Out Daily - Set aside regular moments of quiet to cultivate sensitivity to His presence. - Keep a heart of repentance so that sudden awareness of God meets no resistance. - Saturate the mind with Scripture, allowing the Spirit to draw verses to remembrance during divine moments. - Stay alert to physical or emotional cues like those in Job 4:15, using them as prompts to pause, revere, and listen. - Respond swiftly in faith-filled obedience, trusting that the God who draws near also enables every step He commands. |
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