Devotional for Sunday, September 3, 2017
“Oh To Remain 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.”
“You make me know the path of life;
in your presence is unbounded joy,
in your right hand eternal delight.”
I will share this story again about an experience I had while purchasing some fresh flowers at a flower shop. I picked out some real beauties, and one was very unique. 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. She gently wrapped a sort of thin sheet of sponge around the stem and soaked it in water and carefully placed in a plastic bag. This special wrapping kept the flower nourished with enough water supply till I got it home in a vase of water.
Many times everyday experiences such as these 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 with those that He was teaching. 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 to keep their beauty and life preserved for as long as possible. It caused me to think about the importance of being mindful that I too am unique in the eyes of my God and He cares for me with His love and tender care and provision. I cannot afford to be out of God’s presence, not for one minute. 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 and strengthened by Him.
As I ponder staying in God’s presence I bring to you this truth again… 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. In God’s presence there 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.