One day, I called an older mother of the church and asked how she was doing. She responded, “Nothing to shout about, but I am thankful.” I thought about that for a second and told her I could understand. She shared that she wished a lot of things were different, but she could still see God in it all. With her age came various complications and illnesses. Still, she believed in the goodness of God and was willing to acknowledge that God was moving in her life, even if it wasn’t necessarily as she desired.
At first, I thought her response was a good one. But later, I reflected on it, and it felt as she just recited what was expected of her, but her voice lacked joy or hope. Not to say she hadn’t spent time with God before she was on the phone with me or after we got off, but it made me think about how many of us stop at the proper response and never move in closer to savor God’s presence.
How many times do we give the correct platitude and stop short of finding joy in Him? Do we move in closer to enjoy God’s companionship, or do we leave it at seeing Him and waving? Do we take time to acknowledge not only His works but our relationship and then take pleasure in His presence (Psalm 21:6)? Do we tune in so that we can have peace, joy and allow Him to guide our lives (Psalm 16:11)? Do we wake up happy to do life with Him (Psalm 17:15)?
It can be hard to stop and truly enjoy His presence in a society where busyness is praised. When we allow busyness to be an excuse, we can lack the strength, direction, and help we need to deal with every day successfully. We go about the day lacking the fullness of His joy because we do not stop to savor His presence. Let us take the time to gain the pleasure of the Lord that gives us strength, to obtain the instruction that would guide our day, and acknowledge the Comforter that empowers and keeps us.
I have found it hard to move to pass the things I don’t want to deal with and enjoy all the other blessings of life that God has given. Life can give some pretty hard pills to swallow and heavy loads to bear, but even in that, Christ offers us His help and wisdom (Matthew 11:28-29). The scriptures hold answers to our various desires, emotions, and questions, and all in one way or another ultimately point to our relationship with Christ. May we seek those answers by finding pleasure in His presence.
Lord God, help us draw closer to You so that You will be inclined to come closer to us. We need you not only to save us from trouble but to help us truly enjoy the life that you have given us and receive the abundant life that Christ promised. Remind us daily to slow down and take time to acknowledge and spend time in Your Presence. Bless us not only to partake of what you offer but enjoy Your Presence, In Jesus Name. Amen
Exercise your privilege to Enjoy Your Savior.
Let us move past desiring and wanting and begin functioning in relationship where we enjoy, ask, listen, receive, and praise.
Encouraging Verses
Psalms 21:6 "For You have made him most blessed forever;You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence."
Psalm 16:11 "You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Psalm 17:15 "As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness."
Matthew 11:28-29 "Come toMe, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
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