In His Presence

Today is an unfortunate set of circumstances. Have you ever been in a situation that feels horrible, but you know that, in the grand scheme, this is just a blip? That soon will be a distant memory and is not life changing, just sucky. That's me today.

All of our family is in town to celebrate the 4th, and what happens? One of my kids gets covid. Even though I avoided public events prior to family arriving, just so that wouldn't happen. But it did. So here we are, at home, while everyone celebrates together. And it is a good celebration- Uncle creates a huge search game, we all have parts to read an abridged version of the Declaration of Independence, we recite the Pledge, we do fireworks galore, relax and play in the pool.... not to mention just being together during all of it and bonding together.

As I started to wallow in self-pity, I quickly realized this would not turn out well, for me or my son. I could easily let the devil win, and a little ashamedly, I was starting to let him. However, if we guide ourselves into the presence of God, our sorrow can turn to joy.

Have you heard of 'unspeakable joy'? This is the joy and peace that surpasses all understanding. What I'm writing about today is a small, inconvenient thing, but in the moment it feels big, you know? We can easily direct ourselves to His presence to find joy. When we're going through much harder times like grief, depression, loss, anxiety, uncertainty, it can seem harder to "find" His presence. Maybe you are there today. Something big is going on. Or just current world events have you down, hopeless. I understand. Or perhaps, you also have a 'blip' in your day, and it has just gotten you down. That is normal. It is ok to have feelings. Let me tell you... He is there. The big, the small, the anything moments. I like to imagine Jesus with His arms open, standing before me, just waiting for me to run to Him so He can hold me.

credit: unknown

The thing is, with a personal relationship with God, you will see how tender and loving He is. He sent Jesus so that we could see who He really is, and also to die for our sins so that we can have a personal relationship with Him.

If you're having a hard time today, just pray this simple prayer. And it is ok if it's a 'small' thing. It's ok if it is a big thing.

God, direct me to Your presence, so that You may fill me with unspeakable peace and joy.

I have found God doesn't need a lot of words from me when I'm down. He just wants me to acknowledge Him and ask Him to come near.

And He will.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. James 4:8

As for the 4th celebration, we're making our own fun, like baking cookies, camping on the porch, watching fireworks from the car, not thinking too much about what we're missing, and finding that it is like a regular, good day. And in the new life of how normalized Zoom sessions are, we can join in on the Declaration reading. Thank You, God.

Some more ways you can be directed to His presence:

• Play praise music on your favorite streaming station

• Read your favorite devotional

• Open the Bible! Psalms can be very encouraging- admitting being down, and being able to praise God through it

• Write a list of things you're grateful for in this moment, and then pray about them

• What are your favorite, or go-to ways when you need His presence?