This morning as I spent my own quiet time in prayer the Lord caused me to think of a time from my early twenties; it was a difficult season. No matter what decision I made, disaster seemed imminent. I crawled into bed, turned to my side, and curled into a fetal position.
"Lord, I just cant 'go on!" "I can't live like this any longer!" Tears slowly trickled from the corners of my eyes as I laid helpless, powerless, and feeling completely trapped by circumstances.
Then, in one single moment, a rush of peace covered me from head to toe, as I felt a soft caress across my cheek and the curve of a presence surround me. The Lord spoke directly to my spirit, "It's OK. I'm here. And, I love you."
I didn't want to move for fear of losing a single moment of His presence. His Spirit comforted me in a way that I knew I wasn't alone. His peace was so present I felt like it was tangible, like a warm blanket had covered me, protecting me from the cold reality of my situation.
Today, I sense His Spirit, quietly reminding me HE IS REAL, HE IS NEAR, whispering "IT'S OK", and that "HE LOVES ME." I also sense I'm not the only one who needs to feel His presence or be reassured He is near...so...hear His promise from Isaiah 49:15-16, "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;" (NIV)
Beloved, HEAR GOD'S PROMISE, spend time basking in His presence, take a few moments to ask Him to speak to you, read a chapter from His Word, and wait, listening for Him to speak. When He does, write it down and carry it with you today.
Until tomorrow, I want to encourage you to continue on as we venture in this 21 day adventure of seeking God together--asking Him to speak, reading a chapter from the Bible, and writing down what He shares to our spirit during a few moments of silence before Him.
I'm already receiving a lot of notes from you about the amazing ways God is speaking and leading...feel free to share your experiences below...I know I am blessed by reading them...others will be too! :)
PRAYER: Father, thank You that You are real, that You are faithful, and that You still speak to us. We wait to hear Your whispers today and promise to follow where You lead. In Jesus name, amen.
Thank you so much for your blog this morning. I re-read Matthew 7:1-12 again, for the second time this week. It convicted me that I need to forgive two people who have wronged me, one a relative that has lied time and time again. If God forgives her, how can I not? I am using the Message Bible for my studies and I like how it really gets down to earth.
ReplyDeleteThanks again. The Holy Spirit knew what I needed to read today.
Today I found myself in Exodus 20 reading though the Ten Commandments. My message was to learn, honor, obey, and teach these to my children.
ReplyDeleteIn the 5th commandment "Honor your father and your mother,.." I found a special blessing in the second part of this commandment. "...so that you may live long in the land the lord God is giving you."
Good to hear from each other about how we have experienced God's presence. Encourages us to always be aware that he is there, and at those times we may not think or be aware. Good post.
ReplyDeletewow this one is so powerful needed this one in my life wow Amen our God is awesome loved your mess on the phone today Julie thank you
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