7.7.16

 
 
 
 
Devotional for Thursday, July 7, 2016
“Staying In the Presence of the Lord”
 
 
in his presence
 
by Dona Hake
 
 
Psalm 16:11 (CJB)
“You make me know the path of life;
in your presence is unbounded joy,
in your right hand eternal delight.”
 
 
 
I can remember stopping by a flower shop to pick up some flowers to bring home.   As the florist was carefully wrapping them for me she asked me a question before one last step in wrapping them.   “How long will it be till you will be home with these, for this particular unique flower cannot be out of water for more than thirty minutes”   Since I was not sure she decided to do what is called a water wrap.   It keeps the flowers nourished with enough water supply till you get them home in a vase of water.    I wanted these flowers to look beautiful, and it was important to me to keep them in water.  
 
 
 
 
Many times everyday experiences make me think a lot about spiritual truths.  Jesus taught in parables a lot because it brought spiritual truths  alive through the earthly stories He would share.   I began to think about how I valued these flowers and how pretty they were.   I also realized that because they were so different that they required special care.   It caused me to think about the importance of being mindful that I cannot afford to be out of God’s presence, not even thirty minutes.  The life He has given me is so special, and it must be guarded as well.  Because He loves me so much, and created me so uniquely for a purpose, I need to value and heed to the truth that He desires that I remain in His presence that my spirit remained nourished by Him.
 
 
 
As I ponder staying in God’s presence I am also thinking about how Jesus said He would never leave us or forsake us.    You see it is our choice that we must make to value staying in His presence, and doing whatever it takes to make that a lifestyle.   I love how this translation is written.   God presence is unbounded joy!    Think about it,   joy that has no limits, borders, or bounds.   It is unrestrained, and uncontrolled.   Let us also remember the scripture that says the joy of the Lord is our strength.
 
 
 
Lord, help us to be mindful that we are remaining and abiding wholeheartedly in Your presence.    What a joy and blessing it is to know that You are with us always, and Your presence provides us a refuge and place of nourishment and refreshment at all times!   We thank You for that, in Jesus Name! Amen.