Happy Birthday to Me!!

Got the best best best gift from Jesus today!  The reminder of His presence. Always.  All the time.  Through all things.

I have this new devotional.  And I was excited to see what the reading for today was.  (You know what usually happens, you look at the readings on your birthday only to find some obscure words that seem to have nothing to do with your life and your left scratching your dead in confusion and disappointment). Well that was not the case today and I am blown away by God's visit with me today.

I started out by saying I wanted a verse for my new year.  And I have the verse Philippians 4:11  I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  That is what I want to work on, strive for, take hold of and live out this upcoming year.  Geez, I have a long way to go!!  But through the power of the Holy Spirit I will get there !!

And then the devotional reading.  The first line:  "Let my presence override everything you experience."  Wow.  Everything has Jesus' presence, so in everything I am okay and cared for, in everything I am content.

The author then went on to speak about Jacob in the wilderness, sleeping with his head on a rock and dreaming dreams of angels and promises.  He awakens and exclaims, "Surely the Lord is in this place and I was not aware of it."  Jacob discovered that God was in the hard dry wilderness.  How many times each day do I forget that when struggling with the big problems and the small annoyances? Well that is what the Lord is telling me to remember...His presence overrides everything...I'm here....be content.

It also occurred to me that I am to remember the Lord in the good times too, the times where blessing, peace and joy are flowing.  He wants me to be aware of Him every moment.  His presence overrides everything.  It pervades each minute of the day...good and bad.

This was just the most amazing and sweet birthday gift.  Lord, take me through this new year of my life, learning to experience Your presence each and every minute of the day.  Raise my awareness and let my focus remain on You.

Psalm 31:20a  You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence, from the plots of men.