2 Chronicles 5:13-14 ESV
“It was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the Lord), and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the Lord, “for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever,” the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.”

It almost sounds strange to talk about the benefits of true praise and worship, but there are benefits to true worship. In this passage, as Solomon began to dedicate the temple of God, the priests were all consecrated (made acceptable to worship God, to speak His name).

In the Old Testament times, you could not just speak or write God’s name without cleansing yourself before God. Yes Pagans spoke His name in vain but His people (the priests) were not supposed to speak or write His name without cleansing first.

During this dedication of the house of God, where God said He would place His name, the priests were cleansed, the musicians were cleansed and the dedication began. As the priests played skillfully, wonderfully, beautifully before God, God showed up.

We take for granted His presence, we expect God to be there when we want Him there, but in this ceremony God showed up with His Shekinah glory. Few have ever seen the Shekinah glory, but many have felt the presence. Few will ever see or feel the Shekinah glory as they did at this dedication.

I almost feel unworthy to write that name Shekinah, because God is completely Holy and I am but dust. When the priests played their instruments, sang the praises of God and meant it with every fiber of their being, God showed up with His presence, with His approval, with His glory. The experience was so real, so daunting, so electrifying, so marvelous that they couldn’t continue the service.

I have been in worship services where all you could do was lay on the floor face down and cover you face because you felt the presence of the Lord so strong that you knew He was in the room and you dared not look up. All you could do was worship face down sometimes for hours.

I miss that kind of worship, where everyone is in sync. Everyone is at awe and everyone worshipped in Spirit. and in truth and God’s presence was so heavy you could feel the weight of His glory!

Prayer:
Father, I’m not looking for benefits for my praise and worship, but I love when You show up and show out!!!