“The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the the Temple of God.”

The tragedy of the Ghost Ship warehouse fire in Oakland, CA. has become international news.  Here in the Bay Area, we watched as the fire claimed the lives of 36 young adults.  It was worsened, at least for me, as the faces and livelihoods of the deceased reflected the creative community of artists and musicians of the Bay Area.  Not written about as much was the impact on those first respondents as they did their jobs with results that were far below what they expect of themselves.  I have heard the story of the Oakland Fire Chaplain who continues to visit the site daily, calling himself a Minister of Presence.  There is not much he can do today, but there is much he does by just being present for those who return to the site to remember, honor or mourn for loved ones lost there.  This story reminds me that in all we do, if we wonder what the next right move should be, that just being present is a good move.

Our God meets us right where we are and He is always present with us.  When we invite Him into our work and lives He will fill up all that we allow.  What better thing that could happen to us than to feel as though we don’t make our own moves because He is moving so strongly within us!

Reference:  2 Chronicles 5:14 (New Living Translation)