Presence of God, or Entertainment?

Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. Eph 5:4

"While spiritual Christians can have a sense of humor, they also recognize the necessity of maintaining a quietness of soul so there can be a continual spiritual communion with God. People today are so accustomed to being entertained by temporal activities [depending on human means to stimulate their emotions], they have little contact with the Spirit of God". - Steve Bray

As I read this quote, I was struck with the fact that so many Christians believe they have to go somewhere to fully "enjoy" the presence of the Lord, they somehow have to be led into His presence. They mistake the "presence" of the Holy Spirit with what is just an emotional "high" that comes from emotionally stirred activities such as music and entertainment. This is why it fades away in short order once they are out of the "atmosphere" that was created with these activities.

One sure way to understand the difference is the fruit that it produces, are we able to enter into that "presence" where there is an abiding "righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost" when there is nothing going on, with no distractions, no exterior stimuli where boredom would "naturally" come if we did not have a real communion with God?

This should be the goal of our faith...to get our fulfillment from the Lord and not from these temporal, religous and worldly pleasures. Of course this does not come "overnight", it is a growth process as we die to the world more of His life is revealed in us. But if we are deceived into believing in this false "presence" of God that keeps fading away, we will never hunger and thirst for the real rivers of living water that will never run dry, where "righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost" is and we will never enter into that rest where we can walk daily and continuously in His presence no matter the circumstances around us.

The Holy Spirit will put a strict watch on you, and with a jealous love rebuke you for careless words and feelings, or for wasting your time, which other Christians never seem distressed over.

This is the precious life the Lord wants to give His beloved children if we would only give ourselves completely over to Him. Compared to the life He came to give us, there is nothing in this world that can compare to it, there is no need for anything more! That is when we can truly sing the song with joy "He is all I need".