Guest blogger: Dawn Levene - The desire for God's presence

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. (Psalm 100:4)

For the past few weeks, I have noticed a charge to the congregation displayed on the screen as we enter the sanctuary, reminding us that we are entering into the presence of God and that we should therefore quiet our hearts and prepare to enter into a time of prayerful reflection and stillness. This charge led me to research what this means and what our posture should be as we enter the sanctuary of God.

I realize that coming to church is not merely a ritualistic tradition, but is a profound spiritual engagement. It symbolizes our approach to the divine presence, reflecting reverence, preparation, and intentionality. It should also reflect the importance of faith, thanksgiving, purity, and total surrender to God. We enter not with pride, but with a heart bowed low, recognizing that this is holy ground, not because of the physical structure but because God’s presence is there.

Psalm 100 instructs us as believers to enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. This underscores the significance of approaching God with a heart full of gratitude and adoration. It acknowledges God’s goodness and exalts his majesty. It sets the tone for worship, aligning our heart with God’s presence.
In the Old Testament, priests underwent purification rituals before entering the sanctuary, symbolizing the importance of holiness. For modern believers, this translates to self-examination, repentance, and a commitment to living righteously. We ought to come with faith and expectation.

Hebrews 11:6 asserts that it is impossible to please God without faith. This verse highlights that belief in God’s existence and his benevolence is essential for worship. Faith fosters an expectant heart, anticipating God’s movement during worship.

Psalm 46:10 exhorts us to “Be still and know that I am God.” This cultivates a posture of humility and surrender. It’s an invitation to still our thoughts, to quiet our spirit, and to allow our soul to be open to God’s presence; to lay aside all distractions, burdens, and to acknowledge God’s sovereignty. In the context of worship, it means relinquishing personal agenda and focusing entirely on God’s presence. This creates a deeper connection with the divine, where we experience peace, rest, spiritual renewal and transformation.
 
The presence of God is holy, and this demands reverence. So when we enter the sanctuary of God on a Sunday morning, we are participating is a sacred act that demands intentional preparation and a heart attuned to divine engagement. A heart to worship. A heart of thanksgiving and praise. A heart of stillness and surrender. A heart filled with faith and hope. We enter not as people who deserve to stand in God’s holy presence, but as those who are invited by grace; we enter not out of fear, but out of love and awe. Don’t rush in casually or stay at a distance. The presence of God is our inheritance, our daily bread, and our eternal home.