*As I wrote in my blog yesterday, I am unwrapping one of God’s gifts to me every day during Advent. I want to receive God’s gift, hear what He says about me, and be transformed by it.
And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then he [Moses] said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.” (Exodus 33:14-15)
I opened my first Advent gift this morning and it was the gift of His presence. What a marvelous gift! His presence surrounds me, envelops me. The Bible says in Psalm 139 that there is nowhere I can go to get away from His presence.
Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.
Every step I take, He takes with me. Everywhere I go, everything I do, He is there.
LeeAnn Payne wrote an excellent book years ago titled “Practice His Presence.” The book is about exactly what the title says – practicing the presence of God. One would think, as Christians, we would be aware of His presence and not have to “practice” having Him present. But that is usually not the case-at least for me. I get so busy – so involved in the task of the moment – that I do forget His presence. I think that is why He gave me His presence as the first gift – to remind me that-no matter what-He is always here with me and with you.
Abba Father, thank you for my first gift of Advent – the gift of your presence. Help me to always be aware of Your presence and to walk in it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
(c) December 2009
6 comments:
It was really magnificent gift for you Edwina! I try to practice his presence during the Advent by going to an Early Mass every day (except Saturday, I just have to have one day of just a little bit more of sleep to keep me going). It's just a wonderful feeling to start my day with Him and to pray and sing to His honour. I recommend it to everyone who is capable of going, try to go once - twice a week, you'll see and feel the difference in your life.
God bless!
P.S. Edwina, if you have time, please stop by my blog where we are talking about our customs during the Advent time : http://angel-on-a-move.blogspot.com
I am thankful HE is always with me.
Andrea
Edwina:
I am keeping a list of the gifts God gives me each day of Advent. Today it was stamina. I deal with fibromyalgia and I seem to also have a low energy level.
Quietspirit:
God always knows what we need when we need it! I'm glad He blessed you with stamina when you needed it!
Blessings,
Edwina
MARANATHA!
Andrea,
It is truly a blessing to know that God is always present with us!
Blessings,
Edwina
MARANATHA!
Hello host,
I love the idea of going to Early Mass every day during Advent! What a marvelous way to start your day!
I will definitely check out your blog!
Blessings,
Edwina
MARANATHA!!
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