Finding Presence is what I hoped for, yet received so much more. A hurricane threatening our child activated my mama bear instincts. Three weeks after our son went to college a potential hurricane loomed on his horizon. My pride in not worrying too much blew away as Tropical Storm Gordon blew close. Thankfully it bypassed his area and all was well, but for a nervous few days, I lived 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “never stop praying“!
But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone. ~Psalm 33:18,20-22
Finding Presence
Simultaneous to Gordon, additional family issues blew in and a few days rolled into a swirling month of life storms. On the other side of those life changing storms, I am simply thankful. Thankful to my God who through it all, never left me or mine. His presence was ever present. As literal and figurative storms approached, hit with fury, and now in the aftermath, I always sensed and leaned into His presence.
When the words Present Presence came as my words for this year, I anticipated they had to do with my son leaving for college and my dad’s failing health. I wanted to be present for both of them, the rest of my family, and feel God’s presence in all of it. Now approaching the end of this year, our son has indeed moved across the country to college and my dad and other loved ones have moved to their eternal home with Jesus. I miss them all in different ways, but one thing has remained constant: God’s presence with each of us.
I simply felt His Present Presence in so many ways. I found God was present in:
- Those who came beside me and mine. They prayed, gave up their sleep, helped with what was needed, or simply lent a hug and their presence. So many were His hands and feet as we weathered life storms. Another reminder to always be available because we may never know how a simple act can mean so much.
- His Word. Multiple times daily His Word came to me with just what was needed. In a daily devotion, verse of the day, the scripture at worship, or Christian songs that came on at just the right moment, God never failed to provide His word when I needed it. Don’t dismiss the coincidences of life-they may simply be God showing His presence.
- Prayer. His presence soothed as I whispered prayers for so many situations this last year. He heard me, lead me to solutions, and comforted me in the midst of it all. As I prayed incessantly, I often would sense an answer or a direction afterwards. Even if the next step wasn’t always clear, I ALWAYS knew He heard me and was with me my loved ones. One of my last memories of Dad was praying the Lord’s Prayer with him. It’s a gift I’ll always treasure.
This year began with a desire to be physically present with those I love more. I feel blessed I did this in many ways. Most importantly, His presence was acutely palpable, often when least expected. I began seeking to be present and feel His presence yet found so much more.
Winding down this year, there’s an even greater desire to be present for those I love, serve, and encounter in my life daily. His presence continues to prompt me to be His hands and feet and encourage others along the way. I pray He continues to give me words to share and encourage. But for now, some time away is needed. I’m going to continue seeking His presence and path for me and mine, trusting in His timing.
More than ever before, He has shown me His plan reins higher than mine, whether in small or even hurricane force storms.
But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy. ~Psalm 68:3
My hope is in Him alone. He is with me, my child across the country, and my dad in heaven. He will never leave me or any of us just as Joshua was told:
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
Trusting in these promises, let’s continue to follow God one footprint at a time. Keep seeking His presence and see how it changes you and your storms of your life. Need some more encouragement in seeking His presence? Check out this song I found over and over again this year. Keep looking for and finding God’s presence in your life.
