Thursday, April 11, 2024 His Presence
Thursday, April 11, 2024:
Pause. Pray. Read. Be still. Write. Pray. Go about your day or turn in for the night.
Read: Acts 17:22-27 Did You Miss Him?
He doesn’t play hide-and-seek with us.
He’s not remote; he’s near.
Acts 17:27, The Message
I arrived 15 minutes early for a lunch date with my best friend. Not seeing her at the outside patio tables, I walked inside to scan the Saturday crowd. Still no friend, so I requested a window table, grabbed a seat, and waited…and waited.
My friend was running unusually late, and unfortunately my cell sat at home on the kitchen counter recharging. So, I waited some more. For the next hour, I passed time scribbling a “to do” list on a napkin, mentally working through a project plan, and eavesdropping on animated conversations around me. Then, I gave up. I paid for my iced tea and exited the restaurant.
There, outside at a patio table in the shade of an umbrella sat my friend. Sipping her tea, waiting patiently for me to find her. My friend did not forget me. She was not remote but nearby. She was there all along. In my state of preoccupied, busy waiting, I had missed my friend’s presence.
Many times, I failed to “see” God’s presence. Answer to prayers came, but not when or how I expected them. A caution flag waved, but I continued onward, full speed ahead. A whispered need or persistent nudge interrupted my workflow, but I stayed on task.
Yes, He was there all along, waiting for me to recognize His presence and join Him.
Reflect: What is God calling you to do differently today? How can you remember to keep watch throughout your day for His Presence?
Pray: Heavenly Father, who patiently waits for me to recognize You are nearby, never forgetting nor abandoning me, forgive me for the times when I was too preoccupied to notice Your abiding presence. For the times when I was so consumed by my plans and expectations that I failed to see Your hand at work in my life.
Help me to cultivate a heart of awareness to You, Your guidance, and Your love in every moment, even in the midst of waiting. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
By His Grace,
Gloria