"I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" Psalm 34:4-8
How good it is to take a true Sabbath, and simultaneously learn what it truly means to be satisfied in Him! My Jesus is ever faithful... Here's a bit of what He showed me this afternoon. You know how I love analogies, and God gave me a perfect one for what my time alone with Him is like. How important it is to meet with Him in prayer and by reading the Bible! What a gift that time is- the beauty of His love made me tear up just a bit...You (Jesus) welcome me in with open arms and your full attention, even though I entered distracted, hurried, burdened...Gently you remove my coat- my weights and burdens... you take my hand and i match my hurried steps to your slow, sure pace... Your quiet strong voice welcomes me- love enveloping and sparkling around me like a thousand crystals of light. You lead me to a table- filled to overflowing- What abundance is this! For me? Pulling back a chair you offer me a seat and then sit across from me... patiently you listen to me pour out my heart, my hurts, my burdens... then when my tears have once again obscured my vision You gently push a brimming cup in front of me "My daughter you are weary from your journey. Do you not remember at whose table you sit?"
"Jesus" I whisper
"Take this cup of Living water and thirst no more. Eat the Bread of Life. Be filled."
The table holds my favorites- reminders of His faithfulness (trust in the Lord with all your heart... those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength, they will rise on wings like eagles.. take up your cross and follow Me...but Jesus had compassion on them... nothing can separate you from the love of Christ...) It also holds new dishes (Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love...blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness...taste and see that the Lord is good...He shall see the labor of his soul and be satisfied...the aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith...)
When I have eaten all I can, I'm satisfied.
Walking me back to the door, I reach for my coat- "you don't want that" pushing it aside. You hand me a lightweight coat that shimmers in the rays of sunlight. I twirl like a small girl in giddy excitement at the new treasure. Taking my hand, You open the door and the sun's brightness is dim in comparison to your glory.
"How far will you go with me, Jesus?"
"The whole way. You have been filled to pour out to others, but how will you see the need unless I go with you?"
"Jesus, you are so bright, what good am I? surely they can just look at you and see love."
"Some eyes are not accustomed to the brightness of my light and its pure holiness causes pain. You must be my hands and feet so they can feel love and see light on a small scale which will then cause them to seek the Source themselves."
You give me a gentle push "Now go"
"Where are You going?"
"I go before you, to prepare the way
I am within you, to give you strength,
I walk beside you to show the way
Look for me and You will see me. Trust me. I will never leave you or forsake you."
Nodding, I turn and walk into the chaos of the daily... the monotony of the everyday...
but wait! There's your smile...encouraging me through a friend...
later.. a quick glimpse of pain in watery eyes...Is she hurting?
"Now go... love" I hear Your whisper on the wind
Yes. She needs to know the love of my Jesus today. deep breath. Your boldness fills... Your words overflow... Your love explodes ...in a thousand sparkles of light....
You're always right here.
