I got a rare time alone at home this week. I honestly don’t remember when I was last here alone for an hour, much less, overnight. I was very pleasantly surprised by this gift.
While I was spending time sitting with God after a beautiful time of worship, I kept thinking about other things I could be doing. You know how it is when you rarely get a break, once you do the time often gets gobbled up by trying figure out the best way to spend that time instead of just enjoying it. It can be a frustrating exercise in attempted rest. I know my fellow moms understand exactly what I’m saying.
As I sat and wrestled with what to do with my time, I heard God speak to me that the wrestling was drawing me away from being present.
Suddenly, I felt grounded and centered. I felt very present. I felt focus wash over me. There was such a release that came with being present. After this encounter I was able to release the day and simply enjoy it. I stopped stumbling over the fear of missing out and simply rested.
How present are you?
How often do you really engage in the moment you are living?
How often do you truly listen to others when they talk with you…and how often do you not really listen but just think about other things?
We’re all guilty of this. But in this season I feel God imploring us to rediscover the gift of being present. It’s by being present that we experience His Presence. It’s the only true way to find Him. He longs to be found by us, especially right now.
It’s like there’s been a game of hide and seek going on, but many of us forgot to go find Him. Yet He’s been patiently waiting to be found.
Seek Him while He can still be found.
Today I encourage you to spend time being present. Turn off all the sounds…all the music even…and sit in the quiet. Tell the Lord you desire to be present, then wait. Let Him come. Don’t rush it or end it because you become uncomfortable, stay present through the discomfort and find Him. He will be found by you.
“Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink- even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk- it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to Me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. Come to Me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David. See how I used him to display My power among the peoples. I made him a leader among the nations. You also will command nations you do not know, and peoples unknown to you will come running to obey, because I, the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, have made you glorious. Seek the Lord while you can find Him. Call on Him now while He is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that He may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for He will forgive generously.” Isaiah 55:1-7
365 Days in the Presence 