This song expresses what I’ve been experiencing of late.  The deep need for more of God, and my awareness of my complete dependence on Hm.

https://soundcloud.com/cyndiaar/where-the-living-water-flows

So the recurring theme that’s been speaking to my heart and life the last couple weeks has been “delighting in God”, desiring His presence and the power and blessing that comes with waiting on God.   I’ve read it in various devotions, in the Word and felt its impact on my personal prayer times.  His presence really IS the place to be – do dwell, to abide.  NOTHING is more vital to our spiritual walk than a consistent time of seeking God in His word, in prayer and in quiet waiting before Him.  The benefits are eternal, but they are also bountifully evident in our daily lives.  Spending time with the Creator of the Universe not only helps keep things in perspective, but it opens the channel of blessing from His hand, so He can pour into your life and heart and mind and soul out of His abundance.  His word tells us that He is able “ to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us” (Eph. 3:20 NIV) ; that He is “a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV);  that He will “make known to me the path of life; …fill me with joy in (His) presence, and with eternal pleasures at (His) right hand. (Psalm 16:11 NIV) ; He “restores my soul” (Psalm 23:3); His power gives us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3), that in Him are “hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3),  that waiting on Him will “renew my strength” (Isaiah 40:31), that setting my “mind on the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6 ESV), and so many other benefits.  His power, life, joy, love, eternal pleasures, rewards, peace, rest, strength, and wisdom are available to us!  Why wouldn’t we want to access the Source of all those blessings!  Why wouldn’t we want to do what is necessary to receive all that God says He has available to those who seek Him, wait on Him, call upon Him wholeheartedly, and spend time soaking in His word and in His presence?  Yes, it takes effort, determination and discipline to consistently do this.  To block out the noise of the world and listen for the “still small voice”.  To decide that it’s worth it to “miss out” on some other activity or recreation time so that we can focus on the One who is worthy of all our love, devotion and time.  Maybe we just need to remind ourselves that NOTHING we offer to God is ever “wasted”.  Every time we honour Him with the conscious choice to seek Him first, He blesses our efforts.  Every small step of obedience He rewards and that causes our faith to develop and grow.  We can never outgive Him, never surrender more than what He will offer us, and never lose out when we have everything to gain in Him and in His presence.  He has the riches of grace ready to pour out on the heart that earnestly seeks Him, and yet, so often we settle for so much less.  I’ve heard this likened to the child enthralled by playing in a mud puddle on the beach while her father invites her to come and play with him in the endless waves of the ocean.  What God wants to give us far surpasses anything this world can ever hope to offer, even though it may not appear that way when we look at it through the lens of our earthly perception.

I have experienced the wonder and unexplainable joy of communing with God and being overwhelmed by His presence.  It is no mystical sensation, but rather, an absolute assurance and understanding that I am meeting with the One who holds everything, and yet who loves me enough to condescend and listen to my every concern and the deepest cry of my heart.  I have experienced that His blessing comes in the simple reaching out of our hearts to Him.  Even when I begin a time of prayer out of a sense of duty or obligation, as I turn to Him and offer my praise and worship, there is a release in my spirit which inevitably turns into precious moments of fellowship with my Heavenly Father.   The more time we spend with Him, the more we are changed and empowered to live a life that pleases and glorifies Him, and fulfills our purpose. 

So, as I am learning how much there is to be gained by delighting in God’s presence, and drawing near to Him often, I pray that you too will realize what a treasure it really is, and that you will be brought closer each day in your walk with Him.  We need have our spiritual tank filled up so that we will be effective in our ministry, faithful in sharing His love and light, and equipped to handle the challenges that come our way.  We NEED the life of Christ flowing in us, and there is only one place to fill up – at the throne of grace, in the presence of our Saviour.