2 Chronicles 5:13–14: “indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying: ‘For He is good, for His mercy endures forever,’ that the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God.”

September 22nd, 2023 by Pastor Ed in devotional

When the temple was finished, Solomon brought in the ark. The congregation, the Levites, and the priests were gathered together, sacrificing and worshiping the Lord. How interesting that it was when the trumpeters and singers “were as one,” that God accepted their worship and His glory came in a physical way when the cloud filled the temple.

God continues to respond in the same way to our unity in worship today. When believers figuratively gather together around an altar and offer to God a “sacrifice of praise,” God is pleased. When we worship Him, we lose our own individual identity and become part of something bigger than ourselves. Our unpredictability of service and worship becomes more steadfast; there is safety and accountability when we are united together with other believers.

In worship, when we focus on God by getting our eyes off ourselves and looking only for Him, we find that His presence comes into our hearts. Perhaps Pastor A.W. Tozer best described what worship is:

Worship is to feel in your heart and express in some appropriate manner a humbling but delightful sense of admiring awe and astonished wonder and overpowering love in the presence of that most ancient Mystery, that majesty which philosophers call the First Cause but which we call Our Father Which Art in Heaven.

When we choose to repent and fill our minds with the truth of God and open our hearts to the love of God, then He fills our lives with His presence.

“LORD, we do that this day. Please forgive our sins. We open our hearts to Your word and love. We chose to walk with You.”