A Heart for His Presence

The Prayer of Moses

For the past few days, I have been deeply moved by Moses’ prayer in Exodus 33:18: “Now show me your glory.” Though it might appear as a sudden request, I believe this was a hunger that had long gripped Moses’ heart. Despite the unprecedented intimacy he already shared with God, he still longed for more. That is a holy desire that God cannot ignore.

In verse 15, Moses tells God, “If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” He understood a vital truth: it is God’s presence alone that sets us apart. I have been personally challenged to prioritize His glory and His presence above all else, for it is the most precious treasure in this life and the life to come.

Seeking First the Kingdom

Jesus reminded us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” promising that all other things would be added. Too often, we allow the worries of life to shift our priorities, yet God knows our circumstances better than we do, and He is the only One capable of truly guiding us.

Fanning the Flame

Finally, I am reminded of the parable of the merchant and the pearl of great value: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:45-46).

I recall the first time I truly experienced God’s presence; I was so hungry for more of Him. If I am honest, I fear that over the years, that fire has sometimes dimmed. Yet, as the Apostle Paul encouraged us to “fan into flame” the gifts God has placed within us, I believe we must also diligently fan the flame of our hunger for His presence. Let us cultivate a deeper desire to see His glory revealed—in our own lives, in our church, and in our community.

Let us commit to praying that we witness an ever-increasing measure of His glory, every single day, for the rest of our lives.