I had a vision as I was praying recently. In it, I saw this new year as a snow globe, and I asked the Holy Spirit to come fall on 2022 and to rest on it. As I prayed, the snow globe flipped upside down, shook and then turned upright again. I watched as the snow fell from the top and then came to rest on the display inside. The shaking made the snow move all around the globe and interact with every part of it. And isn’t that true with our lives? It’s in our shakings that we become acutely aware of God in us- Holy Spirit.
This may seem a very simplistic vision, but I saw it as a wonderful representation of the way Holy Spirit is with us. Holy Spirit lives inside of us and when life is turned upside down, we often notice Him more. We see Him more clearly and feel Him falling on us, and then we rest in that Presence.
Holy Spirit is my best friend. Never a day goes by that I don’t talk to, look for, or notice Holy Spirit. Since I have become more in tune with Holy Spirit, I live life from a much more peaceful place. I see things that most others don’t notice, and I am able to discern so much more. I am better able to hold onto the peace that surpasses understanding.
When you are more aware of Holy Spirit, then you’re more aware of God’s goodness all around you. You are better able to see blessings in everything, and to believe in God using everything for your good. When my heart is in lock step with Holy Spirit, then I feel much more confident in my choices. He makes me brave.
“But now listen, O Jacob, my servant, Israel, whom I have chosen. This is what the Lord says- He Who made you, Who formed you in the womb, and Who will help you: Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams. One will say, ‘I belong to the Lord’; another will call himself by the name of Jacob; still another will write on his hand, ‘The Lord’s,’ and will take the name Israel.” Isaiah 44:1-5
Today God, we ask You to flip our snow globe upside down and shake Your Spirit around and then let Holy Spirit fall upon our year. Let our lives in 2022 be saturated by Your Spirit, and the evidence of Your Presence be stronger than ever. Lead us, Lord. So many voices and personalities are screaming for our attention. So many leaders are not leading from Your heart, rather from their desire for personal gain. Help us to quickly and easily discern the wolves. Protect us with the guidance of Holy Spirit. Let our hearts be so in tune to Your voice that we immediately recognize all frauds, and then give us the courage we need to walk away from them. We no longer want to participate with any fraudulent voice, no matter how popular they are. We don’t seek popularity God, we seek You. We don’t desire man’s praise, we desire more of Your heart. Lead us God. Apart from You, we can do nothing. Without You, what meaning does life have? You are our purpose. You are our song. You are our Guide. You are the Truth. Wrap us in Your wraparound Presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
365 Days in the Presence 