Rejoicing is a key ingredient in moving in the power and presence of God. Many Christians have been conditioned to think that they enter God’s presence with prayer. But scripture is clear that thankfulness is the door to his presence-enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise. Be thankful to him, and bless his name-Psalm 100: 4
It is not a coincidence that rejoicing precedes prayer without ceasing. Our stillness is dependent on our gratitude. Whatever happens, we must thank God for the set of circumstances we are in. I’m not saying that we must thank God for something horrible that has happened: Christians are not called to be masochists. However, we can thank God that he is always with us.
Rejoicing in God gives us the opportunity to hear him. When we enter his presence with thanksgiving, we open more of ourselves to his voice. In everything give thanks; For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you-1 Thessalonians 518. When we want to know God’s will for a situation, we begin by giving thanks.
Probably 2/3 of the rest of the world would change places with us in the West in a heartbeat, no matter how poor our lifestyle. To many, we are rich beyond their wildest dreams. So, count your blessings; there are so many things to give thanks for. If we struggle with being grateful to God for what he has given us, chances are we will be ungracious to people in how we live our lives. It is disciplines like gratitude, thanksgiving, praise, and worship that keep the presence of God fresh and alive in our hearts.
This is a fundamental spiritual truth that can reshape and reignite our personal time with God. By entering his presence with praise, not petitions, we learn how to adore God. Our hearts become full of constant, continuous worship. We are a people called to be happy in God; If we don’t have joy in our relationship with him, how can we expect anyone else to?
As a Christian, who would you rather be represented by: the most miserable individual on earth, or the happiest person in the world? This is the very choice God faces! Nobody wants to be represented by someone who is glum and miserable. Adoration helps us remain happy in God.