A few days ago I was reading Psalm 100. For many it is well known praise Psalm, one that is read often in our church gatherings. We are encouraged to come into His presence joyfully, to enter His gates with thanksgiving, because we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.
SINGING IN GOD’S PRESENCE
There was one line of the Psalm that stood out to me, ‘Come into His presence with singing’. I love singing, especially when together with other Christians worshipping. I’m not so good at singing at home, much too self conscious. But then this Psalm seems to be asking us to come to Him with a song, whenever we are seeking to be close to Him, in church, or at home.
SINGING THE WRONG WORDS?
My grandson is almost 3, his language is coming on fast, and he loves to sing. The other evening I was putting him to bed. We had gone through the routine of milk, pyjamas, and stories, and I had him all tucked up in his bed. He was adamant that I stayed for a bit. ‘Nana, sit here’ he said, and pointed to a spot between his bed and a chest of drawers that was impossible for me to wedge my adult frame into. I got as close as I could, shifting my tired old body until he was satisfied with my position. I sat with him in the semi darkness, resting my head on the side of his bed, so blessed to be able to be with him for those few moments as he put himself to sleep.
And then he started singing,
‘Twinkle, Twinkle, ‘ittle STAR. How I , how I, (mumble) ARE.’
It didn’t matter that he got the words wrong. He wasn’t at all self conscious about singing in my presence. He was happy and secure, and just singing because he loves it. I smiled silently as he finished the verse and then started it all over again. His own version that made no real sense. And the wave of love I felt for him almost overwhelmed me.
HE LOVES OUR PRESENCE
It made me ponder. How often do we come to God self-conscious? Maybe we have said or done, or thought, something we are ashamed of. Maybe we think we have to behave, or speak, a certain way in God’s presence. But the truth is that God is always there, and sees and knows us intimately. Not only in the moments when we purpose to meet with Him. He sees our thoughts and knows the words on our tongues even before we speak.(Psalm 139:1-4)
I got the sense so strongly that the way my grandson was with me, was how God loves us to be with Him. Just aware that He is with us. So secure in His love for us, that it doesn’t matter if we get our words wrong when we speak, or sing, to Him. He just loves to sit with us and listen to us. When we direct our words or songs to Him, it just delights Him so much.
SING IN HIS PRESENCE
We may have to say sorry, and He does want us to be free of shame. We may have to ask for forgiveness, which is always freely ours (1 John 1:9). But in those sweet moments when it is just us and Him, He wants us just to be ourselves. He is gazing on adoringly. Reaching out to hold our hand, and whispering to us how much He loves us.
So come into His presence singing! And come with praise and thanksgiving as the Psalmist tells us to. Or if you still prefer not to sing, then speak, or whisper, or talk to Him in your heart. Don’t worry if you don’t think you have the words right. Don’t be so self-conscious that you miss out on the beautiful rest of knowing just how much He loves you and loves being with you.
Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.
‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.
More information on Joy, and her books can be found here