Changed in His Presence - Sam Hinn

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