When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the LORD. And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple.
1 Kings 8:10-11 (NIV)
LORD God, what a glorious image! A beautiful temple arrayed with gold and the finest woods, carvings intricately put together by the best craftsmen of Israel. Surpassed by one thing: the presence of Your glory cloud! There, before all the people, before all whose sole purpose in life was to serve You, before the king You had enthroned, the King of kings descended and filled the place. And Your presence was so thick, so miraculous, so wonderful, and so intense, that they could not do what had been assigned to them to do. They could only behold You in awe stricken wonder! That’s what I want to experience. That’s what I want to behold. That’s what I want my walk with You to be today and EVERYDAY!
Master, there is a song that rings in my soul as I reflect upon this marvelous moment: “Oh I want to see Him, look upon His face. There to sing forever of His saving grace. On the streets of glory let me lift my voice. Cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice!” That is my prayer today, Lord. I want to behold You in all of Your glory. I want to revel in Your presence, and be overwhelmed by Your glory. I want to experience the joy, excitement, wonder and holy fear that comes upon a person when they know that they are in the presence of the Holy One, being compelled to take off shoes and bow down because I’m standing on holy ground. I want to stopped in my tracks in awe. LORD, I long to see You!
So, until that day when I will be gathered with all who love You and trust in You, I pray for eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to discern Your movements in my midst. Show me Your fingerprints all around me, filling me, leading me, and guiding me along the way. Don’t let my attention be stolen by the happenings of this world and foolishness that we can so easily be caught up in. Instead, remind me that all of that is the “same ole same ole.” Instead, I want to behold You in all of Your glory, first here and now, a foretaste of what is to come when I will see You in the great beyond, when I will finally perfect the very worship I send up to You this day forever and forever. Amen.