Day 79 As Little Children

3/20/2025 

 

The phone rang early this morning as I was tidying up for the day. Normally I don't answer the phone until I finish my morning quiet time. I was preparing to take my shower, and I was listening to Leviticus on my phone app, so I picked up. I am participating in a read through the Bible plan on YouVersion with a friend. I have already struggled through the book of Leviticus in my own personal reading, so hearing the rules and guidance for sinful things a second time, well, it is not something I rush to hear...again! Each year as I breeze through certain chapters, I have to ask Abba to forgive me, as I realize every word is important, but it is hard to hear or imagine that there is nothing new under the sun in the area of sinful living.

The phone call was from my daughter who wanted to share a short devotional with me, before I started my day. She has her own way of presenting things, and it brings a chuckle to my heart each time. She has inherited a few of my idiosyncrasies and creative antics. But if it helps, then I'm all for it. She was exhorting me about not taking care of myself by giving too much of my time to others. I do have a tendency to take on more that I can chew, but then, she is just as bad, if not worse. I grew up with mama quoting the saying "Children live what they learn,"  so at least my daughter learned to love Jesus and the Word of God and to help others. There's another saying in the word, "freely given, freely give." She's followed that path as well.

She was concerned about me, because I had a hard time yesterday sorting through some thoughts. I had gotten so wiped out from trying to comfort others, that it muddled my thoughts, making it difficult to express what I was thinking. It really wasn't a foggy brain sort of thing, just words and thoughts and the inability to express myself. As she prayed for me, she compared the act of walking with others, encouraging them spiritually, as a hike in the woods that becomes tiring, especially if one is not physically in the best shape to take on more difficult terrain. She prayed that I would carry two canteens of water with me, so I would not exhaust my own supply, but I would have sufficient living water for the other person. What a lovely way to say it. Today was a better day, and my quiet time and prayer call picked me up. I was able to climb into Abba's lap and stay awhile, at least until I sorted things out.

Our prayer call this morning was a real boost spiritually, because our CEO and his wife were on the call. Jurgen's wife, Vesna, sings so beautifully, and she speaks and sings with a sweet, comforting voice. I can't remember if she spoke or sang the words, but as she began to sing she said, "You take us into Your lap, Abba." I am so happy that she experiences God's presence, as I do. It's like a little child relaxing in their Abba's lap, finding strength for the day. So that was the start of a better day for me.

The song, "Come Lord Jesus, Come" was playing softly in the background as I began to read my devotional. I had picked up Abide in the Secret Place, by Andrew Murray to the chapter on "The Knowledge of God." Murray says this knowledge is eternal life. experiential knowledge. "Just as the rays of the sun on a cold winter's day warm the body, imparting its heat to us, so the living God sheds the lifegiving rays of His holiness and love into the heart of one who waits on Him." He goes on to explain how seldom we learn to draw near to God, because we have not been taught to develop the practice of waiting before God in silence, so that He can reveal Himself to us. I have noticed that it is the same with worship services, as three to five songs are sung to invite His presence, but once sung, the service goes to the next phase without truly waiting in His presence. Learning to remain silent before Him opens the way to hear His voice:

"Just as the sun rising each morning is the pledge of light throughout the day, so the quiet time of waiting upon God, yielding ourselves for Him to shine on us, will be the pledge of His presence and His power abiding with us all day long. Be sure that the Sun has risen upon your soul." 

Perhaps this is why God tells us to come as little children, who love to climb up in their daddy's lap, or like Mary of Bethany, learn to sit at Jesus' feet as He is teaching. For me ushering in His presence requires very little effort. Once I open the word, or turn on the worship music that truly acknowledges His holiness, His mercy, grace and welcomes His presence, my soul is at rest, and I can function in peace and clarity. How I wish that all would come to know that God is with us daily, not just a Name to call upon Sunday mornings. When He said He would send the Comforter, in the person of Holy Spirit, who would never leave us, He meant it. Now if man would only awaken to the truth and walk in His light and power. Imagine the change in our lives and the world.