Walking in the Light of God's Presence Psalm 89:15
Introduction
Today, we turn our hearts and minds to a powerful verse found in Psalm 89:15. This verse will be the foundation of our message, one that calls us to a deeper walk with God, to experience the joy of His presence, and to live transformed lives by His truth.
Psalm 89:15 (NLT): "Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord."
Let's delve into this verse and uncover the profound truths it holds for us today. We'll explore four key points: the joy of worship, the guidance of God's presence, the transformation that comes from walking in His light, and the call to live this out in our daily lives.
Point 1: The Joy of Worship
The psalmist begins by highlighting the joy experienced by those who hear the call to worship. Worship is not merely a ritual; it's a heartfelt response to God's greatness and goodness. This joy is a result of recognising God's worthiness and our privileged position as His children.
Psalm 100:2 (NLT): "Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy."
Worship should be a joyful response to God's love and faithfulness.
In Psalm 100:2, we are called to worship the Lord with gladness. This verse invites us into a joyful and celebratory posture as we approach God. Worship is not meant to be a burdensome duty but a joyful response to God's goodness and faithfulness. When we come before Him singing with joy, we acknowledge His greatness and express our gratitude for His many blessings. Worship transforms our hearts, lifting our spirits and aligning us with God's purposes.
The Hebrew word for "worship" in this context can also mean "serve." Thus, our worship encompasses both our praise and our actions. Gladness in worship reflects a heart that recognises God's love and sovereignty. It's a reminder that worship is a privilege, a joyful response to a God who delights in us.
Imagine a child running into the arms of a loving parent. The child's joy and the parent's embrace reflect the intimate and joyful relationship we can have with God through worship.
A.W. Tozer: "Without worship, we go about miserable." Worship brings us into alignment with God's purpose and fills us with His joy.
Point 2: The Guidance of God's Presence
Walking in the light of God's presence implies living under His guidance and protection. The light of His presence illuminates our path, showing us the way we should go and keeping us from stumbling.
Psalm 119:105 (NLT): "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path."
God's presence and His word guide us in our daily walk.
Consider the experience of hiking through a dense forest at night with a flashlight. Without the light, the path is treacherous and uncertain. But with the light, each step is secure and confident.
Charles Spurgeon: "Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are as ships without wind. We are useless."
Psalm 119:105 beautifully illustrates the guiding power of God's Word. The imagery of a lamp and light suggests clarity, direction, and safety. In a world full of uncertainties and moral ambiguity, God's Word provides the guidance we need to navigate life's challenges. By studying and applying Scripture, we find direction and wisdom for our daily decisions, ensuring our steps are aligned with God's will.
In ancient times, a lamp provided limited light, enough for the next step but not the entire journey. This teaches us reliance on God, step by step, trusting Him to illuminate our path gradually as we move forward in faith.
Charles Spurgeon: "A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t."
Point 3: Transformation Through God's Light
Walking in God's light is transformative. It changes us from the inside out, conforming us to His image and empowering us to live holy lives. This transformation is ongoing and evident in our character and actions.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT): "So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image."
2 Corinthians 3:18 speaks to the transformative power of beholding God's glory. As believers, the veil that once blinded us has been removed through Christ, allowing us to see and reflect His glory. This transformative process is ongoing, making us more like Jesus every day. As we spend time in God's presence and in His Word, we are changed, becoming reflections of His character and love.
We are being transformed into the likeness of Christ as we walk in His light.
Think of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. The change is profound and beautiful, just as our transformation in Christ is a testament to His work in us.
The veil represents the barriers to understanding God fully, which were removed through Christ's sacrifice. This transformation is a work of the Spirit, progressively making us more Christ-like as we behold His glory.
Billy Graham: "Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion—it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ."
Point 4: Living Out Our Call
Hearing the joyful call to worship and walking in the light of God's presence compels us to live out our faith in tangible ways. It calls us to be light in the darkness, to show love and compassion, and to be witnesses of God's grace.
Matthew 5:16 (NLT): "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
Our lives should reflect God's light to the world.
Picture a lighthouse standing firm on the shore, its light piercing through the storm, guiding ships to safety. We are called to be like that lighthouse, guiding others to Christ through our lives.
Matthew 5:16 highlights the importance of our actions as reflections of God's light in the world. As believers, we are called to live in a way that our good deeds are visible to others. These deeds should point people not to ourselves, but to God, leading them to glorify Him. Our lives are to be a testimony of God's grace, love, and truth, shining brightly in a world that desperately needs hope and direction.
Jesus uses the metaphor of light to illustrate the impact of a believer’s life. Just as a lamp illuminates a room, our good deeds should shine in such a way that they reveal the character of God to those around us. It’s not about seeking personal glory but about pointing others to the Source of all goodness.
Application and Call to Action
These verses collectively call us to a life of joy in worship, reliance on God's guidance, transformation into Christ's image, and living as a testament to God's glory. Let us strive to embody these truths in our daily walk, allowing God to use us as His instruments in a world that needs His light.
As we reflect on these truths, let's commit to living them out. Let’s find joy in worship, seek God's guidance in our daily lives, allow His light to transform us, and shine that light to the world around us.
Call to Action:
Worship Joyfully: Make worship a priority in your life. Let it be a joyful expression of your love for God.
Seek His Guidance: Spend time in God's word and prayer, seeking His direction for your life.
Embrace Transformation: Allow God to change you from the inside out. Be open to His refining work. Be open to the Holy Spirit’s work in your life, shaping you to reflect Christ.
Be the Light: Let your life reflect the love and grace of Jesus to those around you. Intentionally perform good deeds that point others to God, bringing Him glory.
Conclusion
"Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord." (Psalm 89:15, NLT).
May we be a people who walk in the light of God's presence, experiencing the joy, guidance, transformation, and call to live out our faith every day.
May we live each day in the light of God's presence, being transformed by His truth and sharing His love with the world.
Let's pray together, asking God to help us live out these truths and to be His light in this world. Amen.
