In the Lord’s Presence
In the Lord’s Presence
I have committed this Bible verse to memory and share it as often as the opportunity presents itself: “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16 NIV). Many meaningful points can be drawn from this single verse, but what stands out to me is time. More specifically, how Jesus stewarded His time on earth; and what I can learn from His example.
Well, Jesus gifted me with an unforgettable lesson in January 2025. Typically, Jesus has my full attention and heart in the early hours of the morning and throughout my workday. But after the long hours of work, I convinced myself that the few hours left before bedtime were all mine. I grew accustomed to telling the Originator of time that His time was now within my control.
The Lord confronted this idol of comfort with an unmistakable rebuke. Without wavering in or withdrawing His love for me, God made clear His disapproval of my heart posture and its resulting actions. As a result, I yielded. The TV was turned off and the remote control placed out of my reach. With regret, I must admit something: I accepted this invitation into deeper intimacy with dragging feet. My desire to be unbothered at that moment almost made me miss a God-opportunity. Yet, by God’s grace, I submitted, and this surrender reaped a beautiful harvest in my heart:
Well, Jesus gifted me with an unforgettable lesson in January 2025. Typically, Jesus has my full attention and heart in the early hours of the morning and throughout my workday. But after the long hours of work, I convinced myself that the few hours left before bedtime were all mine. I grew accustomed to telling the Originator of time that His time was now within my control.
The Lord confronted this idol of comfort with an unmistakable rebuke. Without wavering in or withdrawing His love for me, God made clear His disapproval of my heart posture and its resulting actions. As a result, I yielded. The TV was turned off and the remote control placed out of my reach. With regret, I must admit something: I accepted this invitation into deeper intimacy with dragging feet. My desire to be unbothered at that moment almost made me miss a God-opportunity. Yet, by God’s grace, I submitted, and this surrender reaped a beautiful harvest in my heart:
"Without wavering in or withdrawing His love for me, God made clear His disapproval of my heart posture and its resulting actions."
- Change in Appetite The missed television shows no longer occupied my mind. Instead, there was a deep longing for God. Whether it was through the reading of the Bible, a supplemental Christian book, or an online sermon, I couldn’t get enough of Him!
- Burdened Heart Specific people and things within my geographical reach that I knew God cared deeply about, but had not pierced my heart yet, began to weigh heavy on me. My compassion (and frustration) for these people, places, and things grew and is still growing, moving me from stirred affections to meaningful and God-led actions.
- Enriched Prayer Life This burdened heart led to bold prayers. The prayers were being uttered by my mouth, yes, but they were not my words. It was from the Holy Spirit. Through these prayers, I was worshipping in the Spirit and in truth (John 4:24 NIV). The words coming out of me were quiet, fierce, and powerful all at the same time. Prayers of praise, repentance, worship, and spiritual warfare went out from my heart, through my mouth, and to the ears of my Lord.
- Ongoing Commitment What I experienced during those two weeks in January caused an internal shift. It feels like I am now seeing with new eyes. Do you want more of Me? Yes, Jesus, yes, I do! To further cultivate this presence with the Lord, I am turning the television off during the second and third weeks of each month (Yikes! Hold me accountable, saints!). There is more God wants to do in my heart, reveal to me, and entrust me with. This will only happen if I sit in His presence and make this sitting a rhythm.
"The prayers were being uttered by my mouth, yes, but they were not my words. It was from the Holy Spirit. Through these prayers, I was worshipping in the Spirit and in truth (John 4:24 NIV)."
So, to the seeker and to the new, re-committed, or seasoned believer reading this article, I beg you, go and be with Jesus. Now! Do not delay. As Pastor Muche often exhorts, create and protect time with the Lord. Time that is unhurried and free of distractions. Why? Because there is PLENTY your Abba desires to share with you.
God, thank You for Your rebuke sandwiched between Your love and patience. Forgive us of the many times we’ve allowed work, entertainment, comfort, friends, spouse, children, and ministry to crowd out presence with You. Help us, Holy Spirit, to be faithful in creating and protecting quality time with the Father. Like Jesus, may we develop a rhythm of seeking Your face in silence and solitude. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Sashay A. Goodletty serves individuals, couples, and families as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. In her free time, Sashay enjoys exercising, time in nature, intimate gatherings with friends, and watching action movies.
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