Queen Esther found fullness of joy and everlasting pleasures in the king’s presence. (Psalms 16:11)

She was forced to go to the king because of the decree that was sent by Haman to kill and annihilate her people, the Jews.  She mustered up the courage after fasting for 3 days and 3 nights along with her maidens, her cousin Mordecai and all the Jews.

Esther put on her royal robe and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace.  The king saw and extended the golden scepter.  She found favor instantly and without uttering a word, the king was ready to give even half of the kingdom.  Instead of telling him what she wanted, she invited him for the banquet she had already prepared (Esther 5:4).  Though there was a pressing need to be addressed, she missed being with the king and wanted to be in with him longer.

Do I enjoy His presence more and worship Him before I bring up my needs?

Esther had a second chance at the banquet to ask whatever she wanted (Esther 5:6).  The joy and pleasure she enjoyed with the king made her invite the him for another banquet the next day, extending her stay, instead of addressing the urgent need.  Finally, when the king asked her a third time she requested to spare her life and her peoples lives (Esther 7:2).  The king granted her request and the people were saved.

Esther and her people would have been saved since she found favor and could ask anything.  The king could have demoted or fired Haman as punishment.  Her time with the king, her love and hospitality towards him not only gave her what she wanted but also exposed Haman’s pride (5:9-14) and he was hung on the gallows (7:10).

The sleepless king had the journal read to him and realized he did not reward Mordecai for saving his life.   The next day Mordecai was honored and rewarded (Esther 6:1-9).

Regardless of what brings us to God, stay with Him and enjoy His presence first, our prayers will be granted, our enemies will be destroyed and our loved ones will be rewarded for serving God.

Previous blog from the Book of Esther: This Is Your Day