Peace in His Presence

Based on 1 Kings 8-9, Luke 21:1-19

It would be so cool to just stop the world for a little while, especially with the magnitude of things going on today! Before more stuff gets out of control, and before our emotions get too explosive, it would be nice to just stop everything so we can call a special maintenance team to work on it before it gets going again...unfortunately, to the naked eye, that's not possible. But, in the supernatural realm, in a way, IT IS POSSIBLE!

"Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

13I have surely built thee an house to dwell in, a settled place for thee to abide in for ever." 1 Kings 8:12-13

God said He would dwell in the thick darkness. Through thick or thin, our God is there for us! And when we turn to Him instead of turning to a comfortable routine, ritual or addiction, we are truly set free from the suffering that this world's craziness brings! In return for The Lord's faithfulness, Solomon returns the favor with his own form of faithfulness! He fulfills the desire that his father David planned for: building a house for The Lord's presence to dwell in. Solomon knew the greatness of God. Solomon understood that God is the One who purposed him to be king in the first place. In His presence, we can push back the darkness of this world-by doing some maintenance on our hearts! God wants our hearts to be that dwelling place where He can bring peace today!

"And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven: 23And he said, LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart:" 1 Kings 8:22-23

Sometimes, you just have to raise your hands in prayer & praise! Again, push back that darkness! He keeps covenant with us when our heart is in the right place with Him! Have we examined our hearts lately? Are we ready for peace? Are we ready for refuge? Are we ready for an alternative to the ways of this world??

And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven. 55And he stood, and blessed all the congregation of Israel with a loud voice, saying,

56Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. 1 Kings 8:54-56

GOD NEVER FAILS US! HE GIVES US REST!

"Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 11And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven." Luke 21:10-11

We are seeing so much of the above-listed tragedies today...but if we just think like Solomon thought in his best days...if we just push back the darkness in prayer & praise...then we can truly be settled:

"Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: 15For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. 16And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. 17And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. 18But there shall not an hair of your head perish. 19In your patience possess ye your souls." Luke 21:14-18

No matter who betrays us or who we lose trust with...we can ALWAYS trust in our faithful GOD! In our patience, let's possess our souls as we stay in His presence!