It’s past midnight on Tuesday—or shall I say, Wednesday morning—and I’m totally up thinking about ya… yes YOU. I'm just laying here, unable to sleep, next to the hubby (who's resting in REM sleep). I'm nestled in my fave down comforter, laptop sitting on my belly, wondering about how you’re doing.
As I type, so many of your names are flowing through my mind… family in other states, faithful friends who have been there for years, church members, twitter followers & facebook friends. It’s hard to keep up with where everyone is.
Some of you are in a season of joy and new beginnings. Others are in a season of trial and tribulation. Some are in a season of abundance while others of you are facing a time of need. Some are working through loneliness or loss. Many of you are facing change: a new school, a new city, a new job, a new baby or a new marriage. No doubt most of you are in seasons of learning, just like me, and I believe we’re all in a season of growing. But you know what’s so incredible to me in this moment? ...The fact that God is with each of us.
No matter how different your day or week or month may be from mine, He is faithfully by our side. How cool is that? Aren’t you so glad that He’s not too busy solving the problems of everyone else to care about the details of your life? He doesn't neglect one to care for the other. He's everywhere at once.
He rejoices in our well being.
He offers hope when we’re in despair.
He gives peace when we’re anxious or afraid.
He gives guidance when we need direction.
He is constant when everything around us is changing.
He keeps His promises when we don’t know how our needs will be met.
He is faithful when we’re unfaithful.
…And that’s just scratching the surface. Wow! What a mighty God we serve.
Today I’m thankful for God’s omnipresence. He is not a distant God. He is near. I’m reminded of the famous Footprints writing and how most days, when His presence slips our mind, He is actually carrying us.
Regardless of our differing belief systems and geographic locations, we could not escape His presence if we tried. Even if you laced up your tennis shoes and ran as far as your legs could take you, you would still be in His powerful, unchangeable, peace-giving midst.
Right now I’m praying that you are encouraged by the presence of God that surrounds you in this very moment.
Right now I’m praying that you are encouraged by the presence of God that surrounds you in this very moment.
Psalm 139:7-10
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
Can you feel Him? If not, will you believe Him?
Can you feel Him? If not, will you believe Him?
In His Presence,
Monique :)
Thank you for the encouragement, Monique. I understand facing change. I think the hardest part for a Christian is the waiting part. I"m speaking from experience as I write this. Yes, It is difficult. We live in a society that is constantly moving and constantly changing. We are to wait on the Lord and keep moving, keep doing what we need to do. I'm constantly reminded that God's time and my time are very, very different. Isn't interesting and sad how much worth we place on a person based on education, money, prestige, fame, appearance, abilities, and whether or not he or she has a job in this society? I"m so glad God doesn't look at us the way we look at ourselves and others. I'm so glad that God sees me as beautifully and wonderfully made. I may not have a job yet, but I am still precious and valuable in His eyes. That is what I cling to....THE TRUTH!!!! Thank you!!!!
ReplyDeleteP.S. The picture of the footprints in the sand is beautiful. I love it.
Mavis
Thank you for your words Mavis. You are very right about the waiting part! And I too am thankful for the way God sees me. :) I've been praying that He will let me see myself through His eyes. xoxo
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