To feel the presence of the Lord is a wonderful thing. It brings us joy unspeakable and peace beyond measure. However, on the other side of the coin is not feeling His presence (termed separation) which leaves us miserable, even to the point that we find ourselves in sorrow and seemingly without hope.

God’s word (the KJV Bible) gives us much to rejoice about, but also warns us of the ways in which we become separated (lack of feeling His presence) from the joy of our salvation. One such warning is found in Proverbs 7:24-25, “Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.”

There is much in the world around us which can and will lead God’s children astray: quickly! That’s why Solomon used the word “Hearken!” It literally means to ‘pay attention now,’ NOT later. He then said “attend to the words,” meaning to not only listen and pay attention, but to heed what he says. Solomon went on to say, “Let not” and “go not.” This is strong warning for God’s children of all ages to not be tempted in the ways of a harlot (Proverbs 20:10) and certainly not to follow after her wicked paths.

There has to be a reason for this strong warning. The results of following her wicked paths is found in Proverbs 7:26-27, “For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.” Dear children of God, it doesn’t get much plainer than this. While this hell is Not Eternal Torment, it is a place of separation from the felt presence of God, which within itself is miserable. In verse 26 Solomon said that “many strong men have been slain by her.” He could have been speaking of his very own father, David, who allowed himself to fall into the ways of a harlot’s path when he took Bathsheba away from her husband. The resulting misery which David endured was surely a time of “hell” (separation from God’s presence) in his life. The way of the Harlot is simply the way of sin which leads to destruction.

While we know that nothing can "...separate us from the love of God" (Romans 8:38-39), we must remember that it is us who walk away from His felt presence, Not God from us. Paul spoke the words of Christ when he said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). What comfort that is to a child of God, even knowing that we are sinners and have come short of His glory (Romans 3:23).

There is another great lesson to learn from the actions of David and the words of his son, Solomon. II Samuel chapter 12 speaks of what happens when we follow after the wicked paths of sin in this world. David spoke these words to Nathan shortly after his sin had been exposed, “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD.” Hopefully we can learn more from this, even from what has already been stated. Notice closely what Nathan told David in II Samuel 12:14, “Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme...”

There are two important things to remember well concerning this admonition: 1. - It is misery to be without the felt presence of the Lord and His Spirit, and 2. - We should never bring reproach on the cause of Jesus Christ by our sinful actions. It would serve us well to read James 4:8 often, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” Remember, “her house” (the way of sin) “is the way to hell...”

“Think About IT!”