THE QUIET PLACE
THE QUIET PLACE
Often, I have found my flesh feeling overwhelmed or in distress and the Lord seems nowhere to be found. It has been in those moments that I have learned the power of prayer. It is in the quiet, still moments when my soul longs for a touch from heaven that it cries out, "Abba, Father.” The emotions and turmoil seem to cloud my ability to hear or feel the Lord, but it is the moments after that leave me dumb founded. Whether it’s moments, days, or months after in a supernatural and unexpected fashion, the Lord answers my cry. My soul is filled with joy as it begins to become aware of the reality that my God is real and is listening to my heart. There’s the overwhelming realization that not only is He listening to my heart, but He is listening to hearts of billions.
My 5 year old son once drew, what I would consider a prophetic image, of what he called, “The Mind of Christ”. What a revelation it was. From the lips of babes, He will be glorified. He pointed to a bunch of scribbles, and he said these are God’s kids acting wild. It was interesting, but what really caught my attention is when he said next, “These are His kids that live in His mind.” I sat there and pondered what he said. After some thought, I was in awe of the revelation. We do not exist outside of God, we exist in God. It is not like our relationships here on earth. My son does not exist inside of me, that would be impossible, but we do exist inside the mind of God. This means that we are not far from God at all. It means that in all things, He is; That our fears and struggles are more of a construct of the mind, corrupted by the fallen nature, but they are not part of our true purpose or identity. It seems like we must go through these struggles so we can find out that they do not have power.
I won’t declare that somehow I have it figured out. By no means will I even dare to claim that I understand how this works. Yes, I do have a certain clarity, but how do I express it? It is like when I go outside early morning on a chilly winter day and I take my first breath outside. The cold hits you, refreshes you, and it brings such comfort. Or like the warmth from a fireplace on a cold evening; so satisfying. Your mind does not fully conceptualize the science behind what is happening, you just know it is good, refreshing, and welcoming. It is the same with revelations like this. I do not really comprehend the depth of it, but I can feel it bring comfort and peace to my mind and soul.
God is creating a bridge of truth for you; giving you crumbs here and there, to not overwhelm you, but to draw you with a warm embrace. He does this so that you know that He is never far and is right here with you. He does not just want you to see Him, but He wants you to know Him; Experiencing the fullness of His love and mercy; A love that warms the deepest part of your inner being and embraces you with the security of eternal peace.
It is in the quiet place of prayer that we connect with this force that is not just an energy, not just the universe, not just an imaginary god, but the creator, the God of all things in whom all things where, are, and will be. It is in the quiet of your soul where He speaks and sings a gentle song saying, “Here I am, here I am, I will not forsake you or abandon you. I am here to love you, embrace you, and keep your soul.”
Silence your mind and seek Him in prayer. For this life is but a whisper in time, but the life to come is eternal. You must decide to enter this place of peace with God by believing He is who He says He is; By embracing His only begotten son, Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, the King, the one who suffered for our sins, the resurrected God and savior of our souls. It is through Him and in Him that the Father saw it fit to reconcile us back to Him. Through Jesus, He tore the veil that kept us in the dark of our true purpose and existence. Through Jesus, God reached in through dimensions unknown to us; to say “Here I am, and here I will be. Come to me and I will give you rest for your souls in this life and the next.”
This earth, though a battle ground, is our test; our rite of passage. Eternity was and is made for all, but as scripture reads, “…many are called but few are chosen” Matthew 22:14. Today, call on the name of Jesus and assure your calling and election is made clear. Just like Jesus told the thief who acknowledged his own sin and recognized Jesus as innocent and the true Messiah, “…today you will be with Me in paradise.” Luke 23:43
Call on the name of Jesus while you still have breath in your lungs. Even if you already believe, even if you already serve Him, even if you already are devoted to prayer, still on this day,"…be diligent to make sure of your calling and election sure…" 2 Peter 1:10.
Pray: Lord Jesus, today I surrender all that I am and all that I have. For nothing in this life is worth more than You. It is in You and through You that I have the gift of this life and the life to come, thank you. Search my heart, oh God, and show me anything that displeases You. Strip me from the old and renew me with wisdom, faith, love, and Your Spirit. Let it be that my life reflects that You are who You say You are; Not for a self-fulfilling prophecy, or labor that may seem fruitful and void of You, but simply let it be so that those who come around me will know You are with me. Let them feel your love radiate from me, not so that I would get the glory, but so that they would ask, “What is that?” And that I can confidently say, “It is Jesus the King of Glory! Would you like to get to know Him today?" Forgive me Lord if I have been blind to your love by thinking too highly of myself. Let it be today that I surrender to the reality that You are in all and through all things and no one in this life or the next compares to your majesty. Your greatness is so overwhelming, what can I even offer you? I can give the only thing you made with careful precision: My soul and existence. In the Name of Jesus Christ, here I am Lord. Receive your son/daughter, for I am but a speck in creation, but you thought enough of me to call to me. I will answer, and I will surrender in Jesus name. Amen!
Ignite the Spark,
Elijah
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NLT