Presence of God – Pursue the Palpable – Day 38

Truth:

You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures. Psalm 16:11 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Thought:

Call it soaking, waiting, marinating, shut-up-and-listen time, or whatever… I’m convinced it is a key for keeping in step with the Spirit and carrying only the burdens Christ has for us. It changes us so we can change our environment.

Pursuing the palpable presence is where you quit striving, you focus on the love of God and you expect God to speak. Let the word of God guide you. Let the music encourage you. Tell God you’re waiting until you know He’s released you to move on and you wait knowing He’s going to speak and that you’ll need to respond.

I don’t know if Moses had the music, but he had the sentiment in Exodus 33:

Then Moses said to him [the Lord], “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” Exodus 33:15-16 (New International Version)

It’s not the power of God we seek; it’s the presence of God that distinguishes us from all the other people on the face of the earth. In His presence there is fullness of joy and the joy of the Lord is our strength. It’s in His presence that we can see things from His perspective. It’s in His presence that burdens are lifted.

If we don’t make time to experience the palpable presence of God we will not carry the yoke that is easy and the burden that is light.

Read how Eugene Peterson translates Matthew 11:28-30

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me–watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (The Message)

That’s the benefit of pursuing the palpable presence of God. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. Learn to live freely and lightly. It is so great to make use of our rights as children of the King. Go spend some time on your Daddy’s lap.

Prayer:

Lord, give me an expectant heart. I need to believe what Your word says is true – that I’ll seek You and find You when I seek You with all of my heart. I know that as I wait expectantly on You, I’ll renew my strength and rise up with wings as eagles. I’ll run and not grow weary, I’ll walk and not faint. Lord, teach me to wait expectantly.

Challenge:

Make time today to cease striving. Be still and know that He is God. Play some worshipful music. Meditate on a passage of scripture. Focus on the love of God. Expect Him to speak.

Declaration:

I choose to change my negative environment by seeking God and pursuing His peace.