Yearning For the Glory of God

The definition of yearning is "a deep longing, especially when accompanied by tenderness or sadness."

I have had the privilege of experiencing the glory of God a couple of times in two churches that we've worked in. The first was in central California in the early 70s. For a period of months there was a wonderful sense of God's presence every time we met. People were saved, baptized in the Holy Spirit, healed and transformed. Interestedly, even though we had prayed for this move of God, after a few months it quietly changed. I wonder if God thought we had experienced everything He had intended for us?

The second time was a church we served in Grand Junction, Colorado in the mid 90s. This was at the height of the revival in Pensacola, Florida. Our pastor and several people from the church attended the revival and on their return, a several week move of God began in our church. Sadly, there was so much opposition to what our pastor wanted to see happen, it eventually resulted in him leaving the pastorate of the church. In spite of the opposition, again, peoples lives were changed, people met God in wonderful ways and people met God for the first time. I regret that I did not get a chance to attend any of the Pensacola services. I have always been hungry for a glimpse of the glory of God. There have been times in my life where I know I have seen a bit of His glory, and heard from him directly, but never in a consistent manner.

18 months ago there was a revival going on in Lakeland, Florida. I had almost made up my mind to make a trip there when it was discovered that the evangelist in charge of the revival had made some poor choices and needed to step out of the ministry for a time. Why is it that when it appears like God is allowing up to glimpse His glory, weird and crazy stuff begins to happen? I think the answer is that our battle is not with "flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens." I also realize that notoriety of any kind brings pride and a headiness that is hard to resist. Another element is that I think people get so deperate to catch a glimpse of God's glory that humaness gets in the way and funny things get manufactured.

With all that said, I still have a yearning to know the glory of God. Sometimes I am sad that I am not more diligent in seeking God's face. "Oh Lord, help me dream dreams, see visions, be aware of Your glory. Help me to seek Your face. I want to know You."