Quench Your Thirst Thursday ~ Your Presence is Heaven

Within every believer, there is a deep longing and desire, not for material things, approval from our peers, rewards or accolades, but for the very presence of God. “Your Presence Is Heaven” by Israel Houghton, demonstrates the sincerity of a soul that understands or wants to experience the majestic beauty of intimacy with Jesus in God's presence which offers a foretaste of heaven, bringing joy, peace, and a sense of belonging that surpasses any earthly experience. 

“Who is like You Lord in all the earth? Matchless love and beauty, endless worth” 

This lyric speaks truth of God's word in Exodus 15:11, which says

 

"Who among the gods is like you, Lord? 

Who is like you, majestic in holiness, 

awesome in glory, working wonders?"

Although this question is rhetorical, there is no one like him in all the entire universe. No one and nothing can compare to our Heavenly Father's Matchless love, beauty, and endless worth.  (See also Psalm 113:5 and Psalm 89:6)

When the soul is weary and broken, it’s not answers we should seek first, but His presence. Psalm 77:13 (TPT) says, "It's here in your presence, in your sanctuary, where I learn more of your ways, for holiness is revealed in everything you do."   Psalm 16:11 also reminds us that, "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore,".

Part of the second verse reminds us that Jesus is the:

“treasure of [our] heart and of [our] soul,” 

Matthew 6:21 says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This means that your heart, your affections, your desires, and your focus will naturally be directed towards whatever you consider your treasure.  If Jesus is the treasure of your heart and soul, get in His presence.  There is no place like God's presence.  

“Your presence is heaven to me” 

Heaven is not merely a place, it’s where Jesus is. And when we live with that perspective, even our waiting becomes worship. The bridge boldly proclaims, 

“All my days on Earth I will await the moment that I see You face to face.” 

It reflects a heavenly hope found in Revelation 21:3-4 (NKJV):

 

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, 

and He will dwell with them… and there shall be no more pain, 

for the former things have passed away.”

As you Dwell in God's heavenly presence, allow Him to comfort you, restore you, and feel Jesus loving arms wrap around you.

“For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. 

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God 

than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” 

(Psalm 84:10)

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    Heavenly Father, I come before You, longing for Your presence above all else.  Thank You, Lord, that in You I find matchless love, endless worth, and peace that surpasses all understanding.
    You are the treasure of my heart, the strength of my soul, and my joy in every season. Even in my brokenness, You are near, and in Your presence, I am made whole. Let my life reflect the truth that Your presence is heaven to me. 

    Teach me to wait with hope, to worship while I wait, and to live with my eyes fixed on eternity. Forgive me for chasing things that can never satisfy like You do. 

    Fill my heart with holy anticipation for the day I will see You face to face. Until then, let every breath I take be filled with awe of You and anchored in Your love.

In the precious and mighty name of Jesus, I pray, amen.