DATE WITH GOD

Recently, during our praise and worship practice which we now call, "A Date with God," I watched my daughter flit in and out of our prayer circle. She started out right next to me then her 4 year old body just had to move. I know she was tuned into what we were saying because she would come over to me, hold my hand, or signal to be picked up and she too, would place her hand on whomever we were praying for. At one time she pushed both of my hands up in the air as if to say total surrender to God!

As she flitted in and out of our circle, I thought of the Holy Spirit and how He ministers to each one us at the same time. It was like she was trying to "be" everywhere the Spirit was working. Finally, when our prayer time was over and we began to sing, my spirit was still restless and my voice just wouldn't cooperate - neither would my daughter. I asked he if she wanted me to lay down beside her on the floor (she'd brought her sleeping bag). Of course she agreed so I grabbed my Bible and journal and laid down beside her. Inwardly, I welcomed the quiet time.

As I laid there reading my Bible, praying and journaling, I looked over at my daughter's big, brown eyes and sweet smile and whispered, "I love you!". She whispered back that she loved me too and then shut her eyes and went to sleep. I couldn't help but think about Psalm 23 where it says "He makes me to lay down by still waters". I guess I needed to lay down and be still. I did have a meaningful quiet time and connected with my Savior. God made me lay down by still waters through my daughter's need to lay down.

Great Shepherd God, help me to always hear you when you call and be touchable in all situations by your Holy Spirit. I long for the day when my touchable moments are longer than my selfish moments.

Psalm 23

¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

² He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

³ he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

DEAR PAPA GOD,

I had a wonderful time worshiping you tonight. Like a homecoming. I remember yesterday, folding clothes and listening to music and just relishing the fact that you were with me during the boring chore of folding the mountain of clothes consuming my bed. My heart soared and my spirit took flight.

Awe, but tonight when I joined several other believers and friends to make beautiful music in your honor, that was the best thing ever. I am so excited to be in love with you. It’s like nuzzling your neck as I lay my head on your shoulder and feeling you caress my hair and kiss my cheek. No worries, no searching for something that’s missing, just pure togetherness.

Complete rest like lying on your back in the tall green grass in the cool of the day – contentment.

I know there are many hurting and confused people who are searching for answers to the problems that are plaguing them. My heart aches for them during their troubled times. Help me Father, to walk beside them and remind them to look to you each time something bad happens, for you are able to deliver those who call upon your name.

Your yoke IS easy and your burden IS light. (Matthew 11:30) You also always have room for our cares. (1 Peter 5:7)

Thanks for a great time, Papa God.
Your daughter