Daily Devotional

I awakened softly, curled up under the warmth of the covers.  I found myself wrapped gently with the Lord’s love, with His presence.  I lingered, relishing the moment, seeking to grasp His presence.  I prayed for His love to envelope me, His presence to enfold me.  I sought Him, and rested in Him.

I arose a few minutes later, while it was still dark, while it was still quiet.  I sat on the couch and sought Him, Jesus, lover of my soul.  In Spirit, I walked with Him in the garden in the cool of the morning.  I wanted Him, even in the midst of the beauty of His works, His meadows, His flowers, His trees, His grandeur.  He, the very source and origin of it all.  He alone is my life, He who is life.

I read Pastor Gene’s devotional (Sept 16, 2022).  I turned to Psalm 42 he had referenced and read words which had been circulating in my heart, words of my continuing, moving expression, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for you, God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” (Psalm 42:1-2).  I sang in my heart.

My heart shifted to the song, “In the Garden,” and I was with Him. “I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses.”  I walk with Him.  I talk with Him.  He tells me I am His own.  I sing in my heart, while Lynn yet sleeps.  I walk with Jesus in Spirit.  I need Him.  I want Him.  I become the psalmist in Psalm 92, “Planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.” (Psalm 92:13).

I want Him.  I need Him.  I cross the path to Isaiah 55, and read, “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat.” (Isaiah 55:1).   I eat what is bread.  I listen.  I eat what is good.  I eat what satisfies.  I delight myself in abundance.  I commune with Him.  I stare at Him.  I see Him in all the beauty and wonder He has created.  O Lord, feed me, fill me with Yourself!

Lynn comes in to the room.  I change rooms, as I continue to hunger for Him.  “I found him whom my soul loves; I held on to him and would not let him go.” (Song 3:4).  I sing again in my heart, “Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly.  While the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high!” (hymn: Jesus, Lover of My soul).

I find union with Jesus.  In Him I rest.  For Him my soul doth wait.  O, my Life, surround me in Your steadfast love!  Feed me till I want no more!  Pour out Your life in me!  Fill me anew with Your Spirit!  You who are light and life, shine Your light on me!  Let Your fruitfulness come forth!  Make it known to the world!

I would stay the day, but with reluctance I rise to morning ministrations.  I ready myself for my life activity, in Him.  I am carried along by His river of grace.  It is another day to walk with Him, to talk with Him.  I will officiate a graveside service today.  I pray blessings on the world I will go out to, on those whom I will encounter.  I encase the day in prayer.  I go out in anticipation!
Until I shall return here again to Him, in the quiet of the evening.