27″I asked the Lord to give me this boy, and he has granted my request. 28 Now I am giving him to the Lord, and he will belong to the Lord his whole life.” And they worshiped the Lord there. 1 Samuel 1:27-28 (NLT)
You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 (NRSV)
This week has been a time of finding the place on the mountain where God and I have sat and talked. For some time I felt I have been walking up a tall and difficult mountain path and so to find this place of rest with my Father is welcome.
Monday, God reminded me of the many times we have talked. There have been quick 30 second chats as I moved through a day. There have been middle of the night sessions when I was drawn to Scripture and read and then listened to what God had to say to my spirit.
Wednesday, I remembered how God has molded and shaped me into a workable instrument for His Kingdom. What I thought 20 years ago I would be doing when my children were grown and gone is nothing like I am actually doing now! God has taken me and pounded me on the potter’s wheel and He isn’t done yet! I am learning every day, especially when I talk less and listen more!
And then yesterday I rejoiced at the precious gift from God of His Spirit who teaches, reminds, and guides me with wisdom. I have only to ask when I need wisdom or more grace and mercy, and here comes the refilling! God surrounds me with comfort and His strength.
The Scriptures today come from the story of Hannah, who wants a child so much. She promises God that if He answers her prayer, she will dedicate the child to Him and His service. She gives birth to a son and keeps her promise, literally giving her son up to God. It isn’t an easy thing to give my child to God and trust Him when all I can see is the pain.
And when those times come when I sense that God is asking a great deal from me, I can go to my quiet place and ask God for His strength to face what is coming. When I do not have the strength to give my life to Him to do as He will, I can say, “Take my life, Father! I trust You with it!” and He is kind and faithful to lead me, never letting go. Jesus was born in a barn when He could have been in a palace. Jesus was deserted by all His followers when He could have commanded a whole division of angels. Jesus shows me how to call out to the Father and He walks with me every step. Jesus knows how to navigate through every circumstance. I can count on Him.
Spend time with Jesus. When life is difficult, even overwhelming, go to a quiet place and pour out your heart and do not leave that place until He blesses you! If life is good right now, spend time with Jesus and give thanks. Soak up His words that may very well be a preparation for a time to come. What a precious gift to spend time with God Himself!
In Your Presence written & sung by Paul Wilbur
