At A Distance

Psalm 69:3 – I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God. (NIV)

It was a beautiful spring Saturday morning — not a cloud in the sky. After a long and harsh winter, it was a welcome sight. After collecting a few dried-up leaves and some wayward recycling from the yard, I was ready for a stroll around the neighbourhood — only today, it would be on foot, and not in the relied upon transport of the car. We had only walked past three or four homes, when my husband remarked, "You sure miss a lot of the details in the yards when you drive past." It was a simple, but truthful, comment, which stayed with me all day long. As I was driving to work later that afternoon, passing through the small villages and by the awakening sights of the country farms, the Lord impressed upon my spirit the words I've italicized, which served to draw me into His presence:

welcome sight, wayward, relied upon, awakening sights

The original awakening sight was the walk that Saturday morning and the comment from my husband, a comment that was said only to point something out in the natural world. The real awakening sight was what was birthed in my spirit that afternoon as I travelled alone with the Lord to work, seeking forgiveness and turning away from my wayward and self relied upon ways. The welcome sight was my gratefulness to be now emerging after a long and harsh time of again trying to do things my way, to sense afresh the Lord in my life, as I turned and put my focus back toward His direction on that Saturday afternoon.

What an awesome Father in heaven we have, who cares so much to reach into our lives and gently guide us back into the fold! He can do that for each of us, and He will do it. Let each of us be alert today for the unexpected ways that God can speak to us and draw us closer to Himself in repentance and faith.

Hebrews 13:5b – For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (NKJV)

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You that You are always there for us. Even though we wander, You will always welcome us back to Yourself with grace and loving tenderness. Lord, we pray for those who at this time are struggling in their walk with You. Touch them today. May we be the vessels whom You choose to show Your love, grace, and mercy to others. Lord, Your ways are the right ways. Help us to shed the pointing finger and condemning ways when we come across others who are struggling. We want to show Your love, grace, and mercy. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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