Do you ever long to feel the presence of God? To feel His touch as surely as the sun upon your skin?
I know God is faithful, I know His promises in the Bible are true, no matter if I feel Him or not. But sometimes, I want to feel Him.
The past few weeks have stretched me thin, like the fabric of my favorite sweat pants I've worn since my junior year of high school. Let's say they don't just have years on them, but a decade… and more.
Matters of money, guilt, questioning of decisions, strained relationships, all have weighed on my shoulders. I found my fingers turning the page of my Bible in order to sleep at night. Prayers left my lips more often than normal.
And God reminded me the things of this world don't really matter. His love, His sacrifice on the cross, my sharing of His love, my serving Him, those things matter. Those are the things I should allow to press against my mind.
After church I put in my head phones, laced up my sneakers, and pushed my legs into the old familiar pace of running. It's been months, perhaps longer, since my lungs have burned and my blood has surged through my muscles as I slap my feet against the gravel of our road.
My favorite worship songs pumped into my heart, the beats of praise pushed a faster rhythm than I'd choose on my own. Dark rain clouds swelled in the west. Snippets of sun struggled over the ridge to the east. The breeze flexed her muscles, flirting with becoming gusty.
Sweat poured. My favorite part of the run is the last leg, when I get walk the last few yards up our driveway to cool down.
The last few lines of the song echoed through my ears. Sweet love of mine, I have surrendered to your design.
The wind soared, filling with the breath of grace. It washed over me, surrounded me, pulsed through me, the presence of God.
Like the mighty wind on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit filled me to the brim. Tears pricked my eyes. Yes, Jesus. I'm yours.
I lifted my face and closed my eyes. Wind whispered through my hair, a caress and promise, I am here.
If you're needing to feel the presence of God, I urge you to seek Him. He is there, even when we can't see Him and He will meet you in ways we'd never imagine.
Good morning from far Northeast Texas. I really appreciate this article. I often come to your faith building section to use a morning devotional. I randomly clicked on this one, and “surprise!” it was just what the Lord needed to say to me. We raised our oldest granddaughter and her brother (my stepdaughter’s children) from the time that each was 7. Before they had been separated at their parents separation and divorce, she had had to take care of her brother much of the time. When her brother came to live with us, our relationship became a battle of control. A year ago her brother and my only child, who the granddaughter considered a sister, both died within 4 1/2 mos. It has been a terrible strain on all of us and my relationship with her has become more strained – frequently ending with angry shouting matches. All the stress and anxiety has pushed me to forget Jesus at times. You reminded me how to “draw close” and reconnect with Him. Thank you – both for the article and for listen to my rant. God is good and faithful to direct us where we need to be in order to connect with Him. Have you ever thought of adding a devotional section to you sight? You could do it. Have a blessed day. “WITH God I can do anything.” 🙂 p
Penny,
Thank you so much for sharing with me. I just turned in a book that is part devotional and part how to country living to my publisher. So I will definitely consider a devotional section. I will pray for both you and your granddaughter and for God’s wisdom and peace during this time for both of you.
Thank you so much – for so many things. My granddaughter and I are getting along much better. I am working at staying connected with Jesus and letting the Him control my thoughts. This is helping by allowing less stress, depression and anger when we disagree. I’m glad that you will consider a devotional section on your site.
Have a blessed day and continue to do the work the Lord has given you. I thank Him for you and your site.
Greetings from East Tennessee 🙂 Multiplied………..one of my favorite songs!!! I just found your site by looking for bread recipes using fresh ground flour. So glad I found it!! I will be visiting your site often I hope and I am now a follower of you on Pinterest. Thanks for the posts and sharing your knowledge with us. I HEART the picture of the barn you used as the header, absolutely gorgeous!! Blessings to you and yours 🙂
Angel,
Welcome! The barn picture is my dad’s barn where I grew up. Many a fond memory there. Good luck with your bread.