"You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence." Psalm 16:11

Being in the presence of God can be scary, terrifying and some thing not all desired by those of us who have something to fear.  Haven't we heard that the lion is not tame (a hundred times)? Haven't we been asked the question who can stand before God and live, in that rhetorical way that implies no one, no, not one?  Who can?  Anyone? Anyone?

What about draw near to Me and I will draw near to you?

We are desired of God.  He longs for us to be with him, to spend time with him.  Not just in homage but talking, laughing, dancing, singing, working, walking, playing, resting.  We are invited in through the blood of Jesus that is greater than all our sins.  That made a way for us to enter in.

This is what I read in the notes of my bible this morning:

    "The resurrection of Christ means that his sacrifice for sin was acceptable to God, so we can be forgiven.  It means that our Savior is alive and active, able to help us in times of need...."

So what does that mean for us?  It means we should not run and hide from the presence of God in fear.    He runs after us not read us a litany of failures and disappointment.  His plans are not to cause us to winge and whine about we've done or not done.   He is pursuing us to be with us, because he loves us.

Fear not for I am with you, do not be afraid for I am your God.  Unafraid, bold as Peter and Paul, loving and encouraging and strengthening others,  dwelling in the secret place, walking hand in hand with the spirit to bring Heaven to earth to transform the fearful, broken people all around us.  Its not hard.  It doesn't require a great deal of effort.   In the midst of all that comes our way ....

we must live like forgiven people!