Changed in His Presence - Sam Hinn
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CHANGED IN HIS PRESENCE<br />
What is it about the heart of David that gave<br />
him such a close place to the heart of God? David<br />
understood worship was not just exalt<strong>in</strong>g God<br />
when everyth<strong>in</strong>g was go<strong>in</strong>g well. In the midst of<br />
great tribulation David was able to acknowledge<br />
God's greatness (see Ps. 10 and many others).<br />
Even <strong>in</strong> his worst s<strong>in</strong> he could come to the Lord,<br />
repent and be cleansed so he could worship God<br />
anew (see Ps. 51).<br />
When a worshipper enters <strong>in</strong>to the presence<br />
of God, he is welcomed <strong>in</strong> with one of the most<br />
glorious virtues of God—<strong>His</strong> mercy! In the<br />
tabernacle, the lid of the ark of the covenant was<br />
called the "mercy seat." The ark of the covenant<br />
was <strong>in</strong> the holy of holies, where the presence of<br />
God dwelled. When we come <strong>in</strong>to God's presence<br />
through worship under the new covenant, we<br />
also encounter the "mercy seat" (see Ex. 25 and<br />
Heb. 9:5).<br />
In the Old Testament the high priest could<br />
only go <strong>in</strong>to the holiest of all once a year. But<br />
because of the blood of Jesus, we have an open<br />
<strong>in</strong>vitation to draw near with a pure heart. As the<br />
writer of Hebrews says, "Let us draw near with a<br />
true heart <strong>in</strong> full assurance of faith" (10:22).<br />
We can see God's mercy at work <strong>in</strong> David's<br />
life. Here was a k<strong>in</strong>g orda<strong>in</strong>ed by God to rule a<br />
nation, a great hero and role model to many. Yet<br />
David had to confess s<strong>in</strong> and ask forgiveness for<br />
that s<strong>in</strong>. This made him a worshipper of God.<br />
Worship is not only for those whose character<br />
is perfect and morally right. God also welcomes<br />
the worshipper who is honest, confesses his or<br />
her s<strong>in</strong> and then praises Him as though it never<br />
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