GordonJensenSongShowcase

STORY BEHIND THE SONG: by Gordon Jensen

LET ME COME INTO YOUR PRESENCE (From album: "I'm Listening Lord")

Words and Music by Gordon Jensen

Controlled by Gaither Copyright Management

How does a Joni Erickson create beautiful paintings, write inspirational books, and inspire audiences, while sitting in a wheelchair paralyzed from the neck down? While there has been great sorrow and struggle, somehow, she found an entrance into the life lived in God's presence.How can a Corrie Ten Boom lose everything and witness the death of loved ones under the brutality of the Nazi regime, she herself seemingly doomed in an infamous WWII concentration camp, and yet rise above adversity to become an incredible blessing to the body of Christ worldwide. How? She found the secret to living in the presence of God despite the most horrific of circumstances.Even as Stephen, the church's first martyr, was being stoned to death, he forgave his murderers. Having just declared that he saw the heavens open and Jesus sitting at his Father's right hand, Stephen so angered the religious leaders, his immediate execution was ordered. Amid the very pain and agony of physical death, he was in the presence of the One Who was about to receive him into the eternal realm of his reward!Luke gives an account of Jesus visiting the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, in the town of Bethany. Martha was extremely busy with her hostessing duties which included cleaning and preparation of meals. Meanwhile, Mary was sitting at Jesus' feet listening to what he had to say. Martha became frustrated with Mary, angry at her for not sharing in the household duties. She asked Jesus to plead her case, however, Jesus responded, “Martha, Martha, you are busy with many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41,42)There is a deep desire in the heart of every believer to experience the presence of God. We know that God is omnipresent as a theological truth, but it is something we grasp in a more cerebral way. We want the indwelling Spirit at the front and center of our lives, a sense of the tangible presence that touches spirit, mind, and senses, bringing with it peace and comfort. “In thy presence is fullness of joy...” (Psalm 16:11) Living in God's presence is to find the state of fellowship that fulfills the bible's command to “pray without ceasing”. Many wonder how this is possible. It has a lot less to do with doing than it does with being. Being in relationship, fellowship, and connecting with God the Father through Christ Jesus, whose seed is within us. Our life and destiny is written in the DNA of that seed, by which we have been “born again” by the Spirit. As we continue in connection to the vine, the fruit appears, grows and ripens to maturity. The secret is abiding in the vine, dwelling in the presence of the Lord, not in heaven someday, but here in the present! After a while, we discover that all the “false gods”; material things, illicit relationships, fame, drugs, religion, philosophy, etc., are completely impotent and unable to deliver what is needed, what can only be found in the presence of the Lord. What is needed is an increase in our awareness of God's presence. Is it not true that an anxious child can be calmed merely by the sound of his mother's voice? Jesus said, “my sheep hear my voice, and I know them...” (John 10:27) To hear or perceive His voice in one of the many ways that God speaks to us is, by itself, overwhelming evidence of His nearness. There is protection, provision, and peace in His presence. It is a place where we have entered into His rest, a place beyond questions and conflicts. God's presence is a safe harbor, a beautiful garden, a place where our needs our met. “One thing I have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life...” (Psalm 27:4)