Monday, October 7, 2013

Meeting God Face-to-Face


 Heart,Church,Cross Hands Isolated on WHite Stock Image

As we launch into adulthood, we focus on working hard and using our human talents to open doors to a better life. However, our humanistic worldview and our carnal work ethic often crumble in the face of life’s trials. Meeting God face-to-face leads to action of a different kind (Ephesians 5:8; Romans 8:4). It launches us into a life where every thought, word and deed is an expression of worship to our King. Nothing matters to us except living by God’s Spirit, and He provides us with everything we need (Galatians 5:16, 25; Matthew 6:33).

Encountering God does not occur by chance, nor is it planned or orchestrated by our human effort. We just sit in silence and wait. The human mind is so cluttered, that when we attempt to sit in silence, our mind will go in many directions at one time. We will have a very strong compulsion to jump up and do something before we forget to do it; but then...our time to wait on God is over. Instead, bring along a pen and some paper.

As these ideas pop into your mind, just write them down. This will make a great to-do list for you when you finish your time with God. So here you are, sitting in your comfy chair, under a tree, on the floor or any other place you feel led to wait. You are jotting down the thoughts that flow through your mind. Finally, your lists end and you can begin writing your prayers to God. Continue to wait as you write Bible verses or words to a song, which come to your mind.

Write down how you are feeling, what is worrying you and people you are concerned about. Express your full desires, questions and concerns. Write until you empty your soul of all of its petitions. Then, wait some more! Listen in the silence. Wait for God to speak. Wait for the waterfall of his love to pour over you and bring a refreshing to your soul. Wait until you sense the warmth of His smile beaming down on you, and luxuriate in the folds of His arms.

Write more notes if you want to, sing songs of praise, lift up in prayer the people that God brings to your mind. Sit in companionable silence with Him, and enjoy the presence of God enveloping you. Then, when it is time to go, spend your day walking in the Spirit, one moment at a time. Our life no longer depends on us to reach destinations. We simply walk in obedience to the inner direction of God’s Spirit and live as a brand new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:27; Galatians 2:20).

Prayer:
Father God, my soul waits silently and patiently for You alone. My hope comes from You. You alone are my rock and my salvation. You are my fortress; therefore, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my glory are in You. You are my rock or strength and refuge. I trust in You at all times. I pour out my heart before You. I praise You for who You are and for all You do for me each and every day (Psalm 62:5-8).

Thought for the Day:
A fruitful life is born through an intimate relationship with God. - John 5:8