Good morning. Today is Friday, June 26th!

🥳 Congratulations on starting today with God, and thank you for letting us be a part of it.

— Revelation 1:17

Did you know falling on your face was one of the most common responses to being in God’s presence in the Bible?

And what’s fascinating is that this reaction shows up consistently across the entire Bible:
patriarchs, prophets, disciples, crowds, priests, kings, and even enemies of God all collapse to the ground when confronted with His glory, holiness, or authority.

Abram did it:

“Abram fell facedown, and God said to him…”
(Genesis 17:3)

Joshua did it when he encountered the commander of the Lord’s army:

“Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence.”
(Joshua 5:14)

Ezekiel saw a vision of God’s glory and said:

“When I saw it, I fell facedown.”
(Ezekiel 1:28)

Daniel collapsed during his visions:

“I fell facedown.”
(Daniel 8:17)

The disciples did it during the Transfiguration when Jesus revealed His glory:

“The disciples fell facedown to the ground, terrified.”
(Matthew 17:6)

And in one of the wildest moments in the Bible, soldiers came to arrest Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane.

Jesus simply says:

“I am he.”

And immediately:

“They drew back and fell to the ground.”
(John 18:6)

Even before the crucifixion, the power and authority of Jesus physically overwhelmed them.

Then later, John the Apostle sees the risen Christ in Book of Revelation and says:

“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead.”
(Revelation 1:17)

One of the deepest parts of this pattern is that nobody had to teach people to react this way.

No one says:
“Okay, when you see God, make sure you fall down.”

It was instinctive.

The closer people came to God’s holiness, the more aware they became of His greatness and their own smallness.

But here’s the beautiful part:
God often responds by lifting people back up.

To Daniel. To John. To the disciples.

He says:

“Do not be afraid.”

The same presence powerful enough to make people fall to the ground is also gentle enough to comfort them afterward.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: Lord, You are holy and worthy of all worship.

Confession: Forgive me for the times I take Your presence lightly.

Thanksgiving: Thank You for Your power, mercy, and love.

Supplication: Help me walk humbly and stay close to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

“Walking Free” by Micah Tyler

Go like, comment, and share!

Thanks for letting us be a part of how you start your day with God.

See you tomorrow,

Zach | Start With God