What One Moment in God’s Presence Can Do

I couldn’t see her, but I could hear her crying as could every woman who entered the church restroom.

Her cry was not gentle nor muffled. It wasn’t the type you try to hide, dab away the tears and when asked if you have been crying, we blame the red puffy look on allergies.

This was no holding back, open floodgate, sobbing your heart out kind of crying. We’ve all done soul wrenching crying at sometime of other; though probably not in a public place.

She wasn’t the only one who shedding tears. When you’re at an event where the topics covered are Pride, Rejection, Purity, Abuse, Shame, Heaviness/Anger and Fear, you know boxes of tissues are going to be needed (and used).

Marching in the Wilderness

When King David and his men was on the run from his son Absalom, they were met at Mahanaim by Shobi, Makir and Barzillai. These men brought them supplies, read the list of the things they brought according to 2 Samuel 17: 28-29a.

Sleeping mats, cooking pots, serving bowls,

Wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain,

Beans, lentils, honey and butter,

Sheep, goats and cheese.

Looks a bit like a shopping list doesn’t it? Except it’s not, but rather it’s God supplying their needs. (1)Their need for rest. (2)Their need for food to strengthen them. (3) Their need of hydration to sustain life.

Verse 29b,  For they said, “You must all be very hungry and tired and thirsty after your long march through the wilderness.”

 

Hungry, Tired and Thirsty.

There were many people present (including myself) at the event who were hungry and thirsty for more of God. Many who were tired from the burdens they have carried and lies they have believed. Many who needed only what God can supply; His rest, His nourishment and His living water.

One moment in God’s presence releases shackles of a lifetime

One on one, in the name of Jesus, prayer warriors stood in agreement with their hurting sister or brother. Healing  sprang forth as lies were renounced, as burdens were lifted and as forgiveness flowed. Tears of repentance, tears of guilt, tears of pain all turned to smiles of joy. One moment in God’s presence releases shackles of a lifetime.

Wilderness marching is a torturous way to live, it’s hard and painful. It shows its ugly face daily in our attitudes, in the way we think, in the way we treat others and in the way we view God. This is not God’s plan for our lives. He offers us rest (His peace), nourishment (His Word) and living water (His son, Jesus) all of which is needed for healthy living.

When we remain in His presence. When we look to Him. When we believe the truth of His Word and when we rest in Him, we will remain free from the bondage that once held us captive.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Freedom is ours for the asking and His to give. Ask and receive my dear hurting sister and brother.

Helena

Looking to Jesus. Living in His radiance.