When the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking Yahweh; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised Yahweh, saying, "For he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever!" then the house was filled with a cloud, even Yahweh's house, so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud; for Yahweh's glory filled God's house. 2 Chronicles 5:13–14 WEB.

As I looked around me, it was hard to believe what was happening inside our church. People all over the building had crumpled to the floor and were crying tears of joy. Some were laughing so hard that it was like they were being tickled. Even the elders and highly respected people in their eighties were on the carpet.

I'd brought my older brother with me, who didn't even attend church. He was lying on the floor, holding his ribs and laughing the hardest I'd ever seen him laugh. Most of the congregation was on the floor laughing, filled with joy. What had started out as a normal Sunday night church service had surely been kicked up a notch.

Our pastors had lost their young son in a car accident. The church had been mourning and a somber place for some time. There weren't many smiles at church anymore. That night, after some powerful praise and worship, God's Glory came down. People just started crumpling to the floor all over the church, filled with the joy of the Lord. It was the end of a long dry season.

In twenty years, I'd never seen such a thing, and I haven't seen it since. Yet, that one night will always remain in my memory. It was the night that the Glory came down, and God removed deep sadness from His people. There was such an atmosphere of love, acceptance, understanding, joy, and forgiveness that it just made you weep. People that had been somber for years were bent double with laughter. When our praise went up, His Glory came down.

A touch of His presence is absolutely the greatest thing on earth. There are no pharmaceutical products that can give you the joy that He can. He is more understanding than we can comprehend, more loving than we can grasp, and He only wants the best for you. So, let us want more of Him in return. I now understand what David meant when he said, "more precious than gold."

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want more of Your presence in my life. Lord, I want to laugh again. Please fill me with Your joy, and remove all sadness from me. Heal me, Lord, emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: Today is "Feel Good Friday" at the FAAD (Fight Against Anxiety & Depression) group! On this day, we uplift each other with posts of encouragement and joy! All are welcome to join and participate! As always, if you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network. If you are interested in joining the prayer team, here is how to get started Prayer Partners.