Deeper Still

Is God calling you deeper? Deeper into His presence? Deeper into His Word? Deeper into His heart? I know He is calling me.

This past week, while on vacation with my family, I was surprised by an enveloping Presence as I was standing on the deck looking out toward the ocean’s horizon. He was so tender and the moment was so holy, I knew not what to say. I was totally silent within, while the wind and waves were shouting without. I felt that time and tide had converged to bring me into a place I didn’t know I was seeking. After a little while, the voice of my heart rose up and cried, “Come find me, Lord.” Of course, He already had found me, but I was drawn to communicate my need of Him.

In this mysterious dichotomy, He initiates and allows me to respond with the request He has already answered. How kind of Him to strengthen my trust in Him in this way. How intimate to be drawn into fellowship with the Triune God, the three of whom have been in communion since before the world began.

Mind you, I don’t always listen well. I am often still too much in my self to realize that something else and Someone else is already happening. Thus my cry, “Come find me.” Thanks be to God for that grace which chases me and draws me in. Oh, that I would let Him draw me, no matter how awesome and terrible His holiness is. He alone can bridge the gap between my present reality in this sin-sick world and His holy goodness, mercy, justice and faithfulness. For, in His presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).

In these days, I want to learn how to listen, how to wait, how to pray in such a way that I am allowed to witness the Kingdom of God advancing in this present age. His increasing government certainly does not depend on my prayer, but my witness of it and participation in it certainly do. The eyes of my heart being enlightened, as Paul prayed in Ephesians 1:18. In this way, I am guided by what He is already doing, I am encouraged by what is flowing out of His heart for His people.

If you are hearing a similar call, if you are being drawn, take the time to find a pathway into His presence. Pray the scripture, meditate on His words, enter into worship. Join the heavenly host surrounding His throne, who are already singing, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8)

Until next week, my prayer for you is that you are found by Him, that you are drawn by Him, and that you respond with the faith He has given you.