Encountering the Glory of God: Living in His Presence
The Glory of the Lord - Maintaining it and Walking in it
Throughout Scripture, we see glimpses of the glory of God—majestic, overwhelming, and transformative. When Ezekiel witnessed it, he wrote:
“Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.”
— Ezekiel 1:28
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This awe-inspiring vision echoes other biblical encounters. In Exodus 33–34, God reveals Himself to Moses. In 1 Kings 19, He meets Elijah—not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a still small voice. Neither Moses nor Elijah beheld the fullness of God’s glory. Like Ezekiel, they experienced only a partial manifestation. Yet, even that was enough to bring them to their knees.
Isaiah 6 gives another powerful example. When Isaiah sees the Lord on His throne, high and lifted up, he cries, “Woe is me! For I am undone... for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” The seraphim cry out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!”
Every time God’s glory is revealed, the response is the same—humility, worship, and awe.
The Glory in Visions and Encounters
Daniel also experienced divine encounters. In Daniel 7, he sees the Ancient of Days on His fiery throne. In chapter 10, a glorious man appears, and Daniel is left without strength, trembling in the presence of the vision. These are not mere stories—they are testimonies of what it’s like to be in the presence of the Most High.
God still reveals Himself today—through dreams, visions, the Word, and a tangible shift in the atmosphere. Sometimes He speaks. Sometimes He anoints, commissions, or touches us deeply. The key is to remain in His presence.
Remaining in the Cloud
Like Israel followed the cloud by day and fire by night, we too must keep our eyes fixed on the presence of God. We must learn to dwell in the secret place, resisting distractions and staying attuned to His leading.
This world is not our home. We are passing through. Jesus invites us to “Learn of Me.” Learn who He is. Learn what pleases Him. As we grow in relationship with Him, His presence becomes more consistent and powerful in our lives.
Worship is vital. We are created to worship Him. As we worship throughout the day, we maintain an awareness of His presence.
Let God lead. Don’t move without Him. Sometimes we must wait—just as Elijah waited for the whisper. In that stillness, God often does His deepest work.
Transformation Through His Spirit
The Spirit of God lives in us. We become one with Him. When we yield, He prunes us—cutting away mindsets, habits, and traditions that hinder His work in our lives. Pruning is not pleasant, but it’s necessary.
Wisdom says, “Wait.” Don’t react from the carnal mind, but seek the Lord’s perspective. If He says wait, wait. If He says move, obey. Sometimes He’ll direct you to pray for someone, reach out, or speak a word of encouragement. The Spirit sees what we cannot.
When the Spirit moves, it’s like a key unlocking new realms. God whispers mysteries. He speaks truth into our spirit. We must develop a listening heart. We don’t want just a “listening ear,” but a hearing one.
Hearing God’s Voice
Look how God spoke to the prophets of old. He is still speaking. In these days, we need to hear His voice more than ever. If He directs, we must follow. If He corrects, we must receive it.
Samuel is a great example. As a boy, he heard God’s voice but didn’t recognize it. Eli taught him to respond, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Samuel became a powerful prophet because he listened.
God wants to speak to you too—through His Word, His Spirit, dreams, visions, and more. I often ask God questions and He responds, whether through Scripture or a deep knowing in my spirit.
Understanding Through History and the Word
Even historical insight enhances our understanding. Take the vision of the leopard with four heads in Daniel. Historically, this represented Greece, which was divided among four generals after Alexander the Great. Antiochus Epiphanes, one of those rulers, desecrated the Jewish temple—foreshadowing the antichrist. Understanding history brings depth to prophecy.
Walking in Power and Purpose
The more we allow the Spirit to move, the more God can use us. In times of darkness, God raises up prophetic voices. Elijah performed eight miracles; Elisha, with a double portion, performed sixteen.
When people cry out, the glory comes. But before that glory comes, there is always a time of waiting.
Gifts for His Glory
God gives us spiritual gifts—wisdom, prophecy, healing, discernment, and more—not just for ourselves but to minister to others. Sometimes, I’ve received a word of knowledge or insight that sets someone free—something only they and God knew. This is love in action.
We don’t need to be prophets to hear God. But we must be willing. Waiting on the Lord renews our strength. It prepares us to walk in demonstration of the Gospel.
Prepared for the King
Think of Esther. She waited, prepared, and found favor. Her obedience saved a nation. You don’t walk on sapphire stones in the throne room unless you’re invited. Holiness prepares you.
The closer we draw to God, the more understanding He imparts. Suddenly, what was once a mystery becomes clear.
Final Thoughts: Stay Close, Stay Ready
The angels of Heaven are ready to help us enter the glory realm—but we must take the right steps. Worship opens doors. Intimacy invites His presence. As Gayle and I have discussed, His glory walks in when true worship comes forth. Some even hear angels sing.
Challenge for Today:
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Get a journal.
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After prayer, say: “Here I am, Lord. I’m listening.”
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Write what He speaks.
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Read the Word, meditate on a verse, and ask Him about it.
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Share what He reveals.
Bottom line: Stay close. Stay in His presence. Let Him speak, shape, and send you.
