“Lord God, You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” – Psalm 16:11
As I have been reading my Bible and daily devotions along with listening to worship music the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021 the word ‘presence’ continually repeated itself over and over again. So, I claimed it as my ‘One Word’ for 2021. My ‘One Word’ that will assist me in growing in, focusing on and remaining in God’s Presence as He guides and helps me navigate through my daily life this year. In fact, here are a few quotes from my devotions the end of 2020 from Sarah Young in her book ‘Jesus Calling’:
“My presence is all around you…open your eyes to see…”
“Take time to be still in My presence so that I can strengthen you.”
“Let My presence bring order to your thoughts, infusing you with peace.”
“Refresh yourself in the peace of My presence…because I am your constant companion.”
She states, “The practice of being still in God’s Presence has increased my intimacy with Him more than any other spiritual discipline.” And I completely agree. Amen!
So this year, as we start – what is our ‘One Word’ that God will use to personally strengthen, support, sustain and steer us through 2021. As we read our Bibles, process our devotions, listen to our worship music, heed the advice of our friends – what ‘One Word’ continues to repeat itself? Be attentive to it. Listen for it. Notice it. Embrace it. Live it. For me in 2019, my word was ‘entrust’; in 2020, it was ‘dwell’; and in 2021, it is ‘presence.’
So, I sat down a few days ago, at the start of this year and journaled 4 areas of life that this word will impact beginning with God’s presence; my spouse, my kids/grandkids and my presence. First, God’s presence matters! He is all around. This year my I remain in His presence as Jesus states in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Commit myself to remaining, dwelling, staying firmly planted IN God’s Presence. Why? Because God’s presence impacts my countenance as I interact with others. Who God is and in turn, who I am in Him impacts my presence each day – or at least it should. (Some days are better than others – correct? Yep. But leaning into and on God daily. You?) My position IN and WITH God impacts my positive presence WITH my spouse, my family, my friends.
This is how it works. Literally, as I was writing this blog – my daily scripture from YouVersion popped up on my phone. Want to know what it said? “How great You are, Sovereign LORD! There is no one like You, and there is no God but You…” 2 Samuel 7:22. Uh, wow! What a reminder for me as I start this day. God, You – Your Presence is great! You are sovereign and in control! There is no personal God like You. Guess what? Humbly, I have an opportunity to do life with God each day. To dwell in His presence. He is WITH me. He is FOR me. I am not alone. Do I need that each day! Goodness. You too?
So again, what is our ‘One Word’ that God will use to personally strengthen, support, sustain and steer us through 2021. As we read our Bibles, process our devotions, listen to our worship music, heed the advice of our friends – what ‘One Word’ continues to repeat itself? Be attentive to it. Listen for it. Notice it. Embrace it. Live it.
Love ya friends! May we all lean into and on our God each day. See you each Sunday on-line or in-person at 9:00 or 10:30AM.
Doug Reed // Lead Pastor
