To be Still in YOUR Presence

Dear God,

I am truly beginning to understand the meaning of " To be still in YOUR Presence". I honestly have to say that I wasn't sure I got it before but you being the I AM have a plan and that I do understand. As you know my week has been full of test, trials and joys. Some of them so mind blowing it is hard to grasp the reality of what was truly happening. Trickling in a bit at a time and then BAMMM all at once the flood gates opened up. I am not even going to call them hardships it is just life that happens, but in the midst of it all four of my best friends in the world contacted me out of the blue. One to grab breakfast and catch up on life, the other to check and see how I was from 5 states away, the third to tempt me into lunch (which I missed but the thought was there all the same), and the fourth to send me a text saying she loved me. I know this was not by accident, those were brilliant blessings that helped me to handle the miriad of lifes little moments that all snowballed at once.

 I speak to you often throughout the day and in some respects I always have. Never before have I picked up the Bible to study the books within or even understood the meaning of the verses. In the last couple of months I am learning what it means to be in your presence, not still in your presence mind you but just in your presence. To be still is another level I have been aspiring too. Our Sanctuary at Church has been open each day this week from 6-8 so people can come and be in your presence. I will admit I longed to participate however right or wrong life prevented me from doing so. Instead I took bits of time during lunch to listen and learn from previous sermons. Rereading notes hoping to find the clarity I need to get through the week. Yesterday I had my chance. Taking time for myself and ultimately for you, trying to capture the stillness so many others talk about.   I FOUND IT. 

To be the only one in Sanctuary the murmers of voices outside the Sanctuary doors but to truly be able to read the verses that spoke to me the most during this time. The peace and the love that coursed through my heart and soul was wonderful even for those 30 minutes before the stillness was broken by life and others wanting the same thing I was able to experience it truly for the first time in your house and for this I am grateful. It has taken me 42 years to find a house of yours where I truly feel at home. I find I crave your presence and to live Boldly in my Faith. I welcome anyone who wishes to listen and join me however for me this is personal. I want to lead by example and not by lip service. I want my daughter to feel for you what I feel and I want those who don't believe in the LOVE POWER and GLORY you possess to know they can feel it too. Not by radical preaching, fire and brimstone, or by judgement, but because the LOVE of your presence is becoming so deeply engrained in my heart that I feel, no I KNOW that you have great things in store for my life and theirs.

To be still in your presence.....ADORATION

To concentrate ever energy, to focus intently, to desire fully and wholly to dwell in thought of him. To hunger for his ultimate presence for the sake of his presence alone. Time stands still in his deepest presence we become unaware of the clock or calendar because we are engaging eternity....  ~Bishop Paul Lanier

Thank you for my blessings, hardships, and the people in my life who love me despite my faults. Grant me the patience needed to bask in the glory of your perfect timing in the will you have for my life.  In Jesus name I pray AMEN.