2 Chronicles 5:13-14 “13 in unison when the trumpeters and the singers were to make themselves heard with one voice to praise and to glorify the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice accompanied by trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and when they praised the Lord  saying, ‘He indeed is good for His lovingkindness is everlasting,’ then the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, 14 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.”

EXCUSE ME

God just butts right in, doesn’t He?  Solomon had built the temple, moved in all the stuff and began the worship service.  Notice the order of how this happens.  It says, “when…with one voice to praise and to glorify the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice…and when they praised the Lord.”  When praise went up, glory came down.

God’s glory was so powerful the priests could not stand to minister!  Have you ever experienced the power of the Spirit like that?  I have once.  I was in a worship service at a Pastors’ conference in Kenya.  The praise and worship was going on and, all of a sudden, I could just feel the power of the presence of the Spirit.  It felt as if a cloud had entered the room.  You could almost reach out and touch it.

TEACHING MOMENT

So, what is the principle to teach our kids from this verse?  If they want the presence of God in their lives, they need to praise Him.  Praise Him at all times, not just at church.  Praise Him when things are bad (glory falls).  Praise Him in the good times (glory falls). Praise Him in nature (glory falls).  Praise Him whenever (glory falls).

Now what do I mean “glory falls”?  I don’t expect they will see a cloud like they did in the temple (but they may).  But they will sense the very presence of the Holy One in their midst, if they are sincere and pure in their praise.  It’s not for show.  It’s surrender.

Are you surrendering your praise to Him today?  Are you expecting His glory to envelope you?  I am.  Every morning as I read His Word and lift His name in praise as I pray and meditate, I expect His glory to fill me.  That requires me to be “confessed up” and ready to receive it.  Are you?

Father, we praise You today.  We ask that you feel this very room with the majesty of Your glory.