In what ways can we invite God's presence to "arise" in our lives? Setting the Scene “May God arise; may His enemies be scattered; may those who hate Him flee before Him.” (Psalm 68:1) Understanding “Arise” in Scripture - “Arise” pictures the Lord standing up in power to act on behalf of His people. - It signals His manifested presence—tangible, active, unmistakable. - When He arises, evil retreats (Psalm 97:3), justice advances (Isaiah 33:10), and His people are strengthened (Psalm 125:1–2). Why We Need God to Arise - We face spiritual opposition stronger than human resolve (Ephesians 6:12). - Our hearts drift without constant renewal (Jeremiah 17:9). - The mission before us—making disciples—requires divine empowerment (Acts 1:8). Practical Ways to Invite God’s Presence to Arise • Continual worship - “Yet You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” (Psalm 22:3) - Praise builds a throne for His rule in the center of our circumstances. • Confession and repentance - “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive…” (1 John 1:9) - Clean hands and a pure heart prepare a landing strip for His glory (Psalm 24:3–4). • Whole-hearted obedience - “To obey is better than sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 15:22) - Every yielded step is an open invitation for Him to move. • Immersing ourselves in Scripture - “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” (Colossians 3:16) - God’s voice in His Word aligns our expectations with His promises. • Persistent, believing prayer - “Call to Me and I will answer you…” (Jeremiah 33:3) - Prayer pulls tomorrow’s deliverance into today’s need. • Walking in faith, not fear - “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6) - Faith is the atmosphere where His presence thrives. • Practicing fellowship and unity - “For where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20) - Corporate agreement magnifies His nearness (Acts 4:31). • Serving others sacrificially - “Whatever you did for one of the least of these…you did for Me.” (Matthew 25:40) - He rises on behalf of those who rise to meet the needs of others. Scriptural Reminders of His Readiness to Rise Up - “The eyes of the LORD roam to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9) - “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) - “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house…for God to dwell by His Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:22) Living in Expectation When we cultivate an atmosphere of worship, purity, obedience, prayer, faith, unity, and service, we echo the cry of Psalm 68:1: “God, arise!” His promise is sure: He will. When He does, darkness scatters, hearts revive, and His kingdom breaks through our everyday lives. |
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