Many of us have been there, whether it’s your child or a child entrusted to your care… that moment when separation anxiety kicks in. A child that is perfectly happy, peaceful, and smiling is instantaneously anxious, sad, and downright mad that their parent or guardian has just walked out of the room. As I was involved in this very scenario this week, I was struck by the sheer passion that could come from a little child because they eagerly wanted to be in the presence of their parent.
As this passion struck me, I realized how often I lack the drive just to be in the presence of God my father, daily. Although I love and experience peace, joy, healing, and grace when I spend time in prayer and worship, I can so often leave those moments, and as the business of life sets in, I forget all the great things that come from spending time in the presence of God. In Psalm 16:11 it reads, “You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever” (NASB).
What would it look like if on a daily basis, just like a child, the moment I walked away from a time of worship, prayer, or studying the Bible, I responded to the hunger that is deep within me to anxiously await the next time I could be back in the presence of God? What would this look like in your life? We serve a God that is waiting for us to earnestly desire the peace, healing, joy, instruction, and freedom that can come from spending time in his presence. Remember this week that in His presence is the fullness of joy!
Sarah LeBlanc
Great Lakes Field Director
Inspirational