Favorite Place

In 1 Kings 8, we find the culmination of a dream that had been birthed in David’s heart. 

He had wanted to build a temple for the Lord. But God had made it clear that it would be his son, Solomon, who would carry out this calling. 

So, after Solomon became king, the work got underway. The temple was constructed and furnished. The Ark of the Lord’s Covenant was brought to the temple and all of Israel came together. They sacrificed more sheep, goats, and cattle than they could keep count and the priests carried the Ark into the inner sanctuary of the Temple, the Most Holy Place. Then...

…a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord. The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple of the Lord. 1 Kings 8:10-11, NLT 

The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud. 

They tried, but they couldn’t. Why? Because of the cloud. Because the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple that was built for Him to dwell in.

I’ve always felt inspired by that story. I want to see that, to experience God’s glory so powerfully, to live from that place of intimacy with Him.

The reality is, you and I can’t lead people to places with Jesus we haven’t been. And those priests in 1 Kings 8 didn’t even have access to the Holy Spirit. But now, you and I do! We are that Temple. We are the place where the Holy Spirit desires to dwell – the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead (Rom 8.11). 

So, let’s press in. Undoubtedly, we need the Holy Spirit. We need the power and glory His presence brings. We need His help and hope in the situations of our lives. And the good news is, He desires that for us. He wants to draw closer to us.

Let’s make His presence our favorite place.

I don’t want to leave this moment

I don’t want to miss one thing

Is there anything You want to tell me

I hang on every word You say 

I’m longing for a fresh encounter

A wonder that I can’t explain

Is there anything You want to show me

Your presence is my favorite place

- From "Favorite Place"