More of God’s Presence – Week 1
Welcome to Week 1 of More of God’s Presence.
In this series we will walk through Psalm 23 together. If you desire to experience God’s presence in a deeper way, you are going to love this series!
WEEK 1: My Shepherd
I began my prayer with a list that saturated my thoughts:
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I need this.
I need that.
If you would just clarify that one thing, and if you could just take care of that other situation.
If you could give me a sign that would be great.
I really need to know what to do and when to do it.
Please heal him.
Please help her.
Please comfort them.”
And on and on I went when suddenly an awkward silence came between me and my Maker. Before I could go on, I felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit within me. Knowing He was speaking to my heart, I leaned in close and listened. The words that came were truth wrapped up with a beautiful bow of love.
He said, “I am all you need. Stop begging me to do what I have already done.”
Hushed, convicted, and corrected, I sighed heavily. I knew He was right, but I didn’t know any other way to go about submitting my requests. His Word says to come boldly in time of need, so I did. He says He hears the cry of His children, so I cried. I sincerely wanted Him to answer my every need. I truly thought by speaking the words, I would receive answers. The answers I received were much greater than I could have ever asked for.
When He spoke to my heart, I suddenly saw my needs through a different lens. Rather than telling God what I needed, I began to express to God all that He was to me.
“Oh Holy God of Heaven and Earth,
You are mighty!
You are holy!
There is no one greater than you.
I know you are able.
I know you are the Comforter and Great Physician.
Thank you for loving me and giving sight in the dark times of life.
Thank you for making yourself known to me when I am insecure, and so needy.
Thank you for loving my faltering flesh.
Thank you for doing what only you can do.
God, You are truly amazing!”
I often run to God in my times of need and I begin to spout off my list of needs and wants. I sometimes tell Him what I really think as if He doesn’t already know.
Yes, I still want healing for my friend. Yes, I still want God to work out every little detail of life, but rather than asking Him to take the reigns, I’m learning to remember He already holds them. When I treat Him with the respect and praise that He is due, His presence overwhelms me in a new way.
Oh how the Comforter comforts His child when His child crawls up in His lap!
Oh how the Shepherd guides His sheep when the sheep submit to His security!
Oh how the Lord lavishly loves His people when His people lavishly love Him!
If you feel like your prayers are a list of needs that never get answered, consider the source to whom you lift your prayers.
God’s Presence is my greatest need! When I realize and I lean in close I suddenly find rest in His sweet embrace. Nothing compares and suddenly I need nothing.
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23:1
If you are in a desperate place of need, God’s presence is more powerful than any problem you will ever experience. Psalm 23:1 tells us He fills the deepest need in our souls. No matter how dark, lonely, afraid, or confused you are, The Lord is the Good Shepherd and His Presence is enough. It’s not that life will be perfect or even good, but in God’s presence His children have need of nothing more. It’s not that you won’t feel pain or ever be afraid, but you will experience His comfort and know the power of His calming presence.
So run to Him, cling to Him, and tell Him not what you need, but how He is all you need.
I would love to hear how God has sustained you in a time of need, or if you are currently walking through a needy circumstance share it with us in the comments so we can pray for you.
Love & Blessings,
Micah
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