Christian Living

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IN THE PRESENCE

I can close my eyes and see it now….

It’s amazing how just a couple of days can totally relax your mind and spirit. To get out of that fast paced action of daily living and all of its cares. To go to that quiet place and just “be still”…..

I just returned from camping in the Great Smoky Mountains, my favorite retreat from the world. There are a few places I make that traditional trek to, places that seem to have a precious hold on my heart and mind. Places that seem to offer what I need at that moment. Refreshment and renewal.
It’s amazing how my stomach quits hurting while I’m there. The tension eases and anxiety is virtually non-existent. I can “crash”.
Sitting beside the rushing Roaring Fork I can “be still” and just totally absorb God’s beautiful artwork around me. I can focus on Him and His plans for me. His presence is powerful in that place….
I think of Jesus going to the Garden of Gethsemane. He, too, had to retreat to a special place when the cares of the world were heavy to bear. A place where He could pray and “be still”. He went to a place of beauty. A place of God’s creation, not man’s. A place where He could focus on God’s plans…and where it would take Him. A place where He could sense God’s presence in a powerful way….

There’s nothing like being renewed and refreshed. Ministry is difficult much of the time. No matter what facet of ministry we may be involved in. Serving is not easy to do! But it’s a calling. And if Jesus Himself had to be refreshed and seek renewal of the mind and spirit….so must we. We were in the presence of other believers, traveling with another couple very dear to us. The fellowship we shared, the thoughts, the blessings, the laughter….all in the presence of Him. Renewing our minds. Refreshing our spirits. Receiving His gifts.

Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. (NIV)

Just like I ran to the Smokies to seek rest and find a haven of quiet solitude, Jesus wants us to run to Him with our cares. Daily. Not just when we can “get away”…sometimes it’s so hard to “be still” and know that He is GOD. And remember that He is in control! All the time….

Psalm 68:19
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. (NIV)

Just as the sound and sights of the rushing water soothes my tired soul, Jesus wants to rush in and relieve us from all of our worries and fears. Just like I have no doubt that the Roaring Fork will be there the next time I want and need to retreat to the Smokies, I find so much more security in knowing that my Jesus will always be there for me whenever I seek Him! I can only get to the Smokies periodically…but I can go to Jesus all the time.

The Roaring Fork is abundant in rock formation. The water flow constantly molds and shapes the rock in its path, flowing over and around and through every boulder and pebble along the way.
That’s what Jesus wants for us. To let His presence, the Living Water, soak into every crevice, flowing in and around every obstacle in our path. Molding and shaping us until we’re where He wants us to be. Cleansing. Transforming. Renewing our minds. Refreshing our spirits.
There was one spot in particular where the two forks of the stream came together as one. This was one of the most beautiful sights I saw on this trip. I noticed that individually, each fork was not as powerful as when they came together. The water current was stronger. There was more force with the increase in water volume.
It made me think of how I handle things at times. By myself. As one fork. Weaker, not as effective as when I join forces with the Lord and allow Him to infiltrate the situation with His presence and His power. With Him, I am stronger. With Him there is more confidence and ability.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me. (NIV)

Alone I am weak. With Him, I am much stronger. Just like the Roaring Fork.

It was hot. And I couldn’t wait to get my feet wet! Couldn’t wait to get my shoes and socks off and wade in the water. Besides the water being very cold, the algae made the rocks dangerously slick. I was uncertain about making my way across to a flat rock where I wanted to sit down. Step by step I carefully placed my footing on solid rock.
That’s how it is as a Christian. The world makes our daily walk very treacherous. There are all kinds of “slick” spots that can make us fall in our walk with Him. But by keeping our eyes focused on where we should go, step by step, we will cross the rivers of life with the sure footing we have in Jesus.

Proverbs 4:25-26
Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level the paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. (NIV)

The Roaring Fork. Rest. Renewal. Refreshment. Retreat.

Life lessons in the presence of Living Water.

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