From E. I have walked with God a long time now, but over the past year have allowed work schedules and other activities to fill time I should be spending with Him. I welcomed the opportunity to intentionally spend just an hour with Him at 24/7. I knew it would be the impetus I needed to draw close again.
I went first to the Community Room where brothers & sisters had laid out their prayer requests. I was led to pray for a person who wrote, “I desire drinking, smoking & partying more than I desire God. I need to find myself in Christ.” I felt a kindred spirit with this person. While those are no longer the activities that keep me from Him, I know what it’s like to have other gods in His place.
Going into the cubicle adjacent to the Community Room, I enjoyed sitting in the comfortable chair, listening to the music & praying for God to reveal Himself to me. I picked up a poem entitled “Incarnation Meditation.” The first word is “Emmanuel” – God with us. Then, I noticed that the word “Intimacy” was written on the wall in chalk. I began to feel that God was drawing near.
I spent time in the “Surrender” alcove, asking for His forgiveness and pledging again to place my life solely in His hands. From there, He led me to the “Communion” cubicle where I was overwhelmed with how near He felt & remembrance of how much He endured for me. My eyes fell on the two placards balanced on the candlesticks. One says, “You are my beloved and in you my soul is well pleased.” The other says, “I want to be with you always. Will you let Me?” Gently & lovingly, my Father was affirming how much He longs for the closeness I’ve denied Him. I was drawn out to the music & compelling words of “Consuming Fire” filling the space with acknowledgement of the presence of the Holy Spirit. Back in the “Intimacy” cubicle, I noticed a copy of Richard Foster’s “Celebration of Discipline.” God was reminding me of how I can return to my first love.
I felt He was asking me to create a place in our home where my husband & I can step out of our busy lives & into God’s space. Of course, He is everywhere, but dedicating a place where we can meet Him – one we share only with Him – seems to be something He’s asking of me. I think He wants to give us a special, reverent experience there that will be anticipated & cherished.
I was hesitant to leave that morning, so I made some notes with paper & pencil I noticed in the cubicle. It was so thoughtful of God to inspire someone to put them there. Being a writer, I feel disconnected from my thoughts if I can’t jot them down. Now, I reread my notes & re-enter that time with God. The words inspire me to reach out for Him again, knowing through faith that He’s waiting there. -E
