Yesterday, I had a wonderful day with my kids. I had clients over in the morning, then we had planned to spend the rest of the day doing family things…certain things that stir up the “warm fuzzies” in our hearts. Then one of them came down with a stomach bug and was laying all day, so we put the air mattress in the living room…turned on some old movies we have loved since they were little…and the well child and I worked on a 1000 piece puzzle.
It may sound overly simple to you, but that is what we love the most…simple.
Later that evening I got word of some disappointing things…immediately, the enemy came with anxiety and fear to try to force me into submission. Instead of relenting to it, I stepped outside onto our deck. As I looked out over our pond I simply said, “God, I need to feel You.” Immediately, a warmth fell over my whole body, and I smiled. Then God spoke. I hadn’t asked a question…yet, He was so extremely present. He said, “I am not punishing you.” Wow. I didn’t know I needed to hear that, but it brought an immediate lightness to my body. I had unknowingly been carrying a burden I wasn’t meant to carry. You see, for some reason, every time something happens, my first thought is, “I wonder if I’ve done something wrong?” God met me in that question, even before it left my mouth.
Jehovah Shammah…God is there.
He knows all our thoughts before we even have them. He knows every word we’ll speak before it comes forth from our lips.
Oh, how I love Him.
I really didn’t want to, or plan to share this story…but when I asked God what to write, He showed me that people need to see how present He is…He is using my testimony to open eyes to the reality of His nearness.
He speaks.
Whether we want to hear or not, He is always communicating with us.
Do you want to hear Him? All you have to do is ask. Ask Him to give you an awareness of His voice. Read the Bible to know His character, that way you’ll know when you’re hearing Him.
He is always kind, loving, gracious, joyful, etc. He brings peace. He brings calm. These are just a few of the markers of His presence.
I encourage you to take time today to ask Him to speak to you. You won’t be disappointed.
You have searched me, Lord, and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and You lay Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Psalm 139:1-6
365 Days in the Presence 