Experiencing God’s Glory

“Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” John 11:40

In Exodus 14:13, God, through Moses, encourages the Israelites to stand firm and witness His salvation, which is a manifestation of His glory, encompassing His presence, power, and goodness. This shows that God desires to demonstrate His power and deliverance to His people. Similarly, in Exodus 16:7, God promises to show His glory by providing manna in the wilderness, signifying that His glory can be evident even in the midst of challenging circumstances.

The directive to “fear not, stand still” in Exodus highlights the importance of faith and trust in God’s deliverance rather than fleeing from problems. Belief is a prerequisite for witnessing God’s glory, as emphasised in John 11:40, where Jesus states that belief is necessary to see God’s miraculous works. Faith is thus essential for experiencing His interventions.

The expectation of witnessing God’s glory should be a daily occurrence. We must be mindful of God’s presence, power, and goodness in everyday life. Scriptures like Psalm 68:19 and Psalm 84:11 reinforce that God provides daily benefits and does not withhold good things from those who live righteously. This continuous expectation fosters a sense of anticipation and gratitude.

Gratitude and praise play a crucial role in experiencing God’s glory. Psalm 107 repeatedly calls believers to praise God for His goodness, highlighting the importance of remembering and thanking Him for past blessings. This practice of gratitude can foster a positive outlook and trust in future provision. Psalm 31:19 further indicates that there are reserved blessings yet to be experienced, encouraging believers to remain hopeful and expectant of God’s continued goodness.

God’s glory manifests in various forms. It is not limited to supernatural phenomena like smoke or lightning but is also evident in daily provisions and miracles. The resurrection of Lazarus in John 11 is a profound example where God’s glory is revealed through a miraculous intervention in a dire situation. This event underscores that God’s glory can be seen in the transformation of impossible situations.

Scriptures like Exodus 34:6 and Psalm 31:19 describe God’s goodness as abundant and ongoing. Believers are encouraged to expect more of God’s goodness, which is stored up for those who trust in Him. The experiences of the Israelites in the wilderness remind us that God can provide in any circumstance, emphasising His reliability as a provider.

In practical terms, believers can regularly affirm their belief in witnessing God’s glory by expressing faith and gratitude. Starting each day with a prayer, such as “Lord, show me your glory today,” can set a positive tone. Reflecting on past blessings helps to strengthen faith and anticipation for future blessings. Sharing testimonies of God’s goodness can uplift and encourage others, fostering a community of faith and expectation.

Living in a state of constant expectation and gratitude for God’s glory involves standing firm in faith, daily anticipating God’s goodness, and continually praising Him. By doing so, believers can experience His miraculous presence, power, and goodness in their lives.