If you are like me, you probably have days when you get so wrapped up in life’s rapid-fire events that you leave God out. Everyday events, conflicts, fears, interpersonal clashes, decisions and trials get solved….more or less…on our own. This, to say the least, does not result in the inner peace that God promises us.
I am fortunate that in a moment of quiet reflection some time ago, God gave me a image in my mind that was so real I could almost feel it. It was a moving image of me and Jesus quietly walking down a dirt road together. We walked so close that at times our shoulders touched. There were no distractions, no noises around us, no deadlines, no stresses….just me and Christ slowly walking down this quiet road. From time to time my arm would rest on His shoulder and at times His hand would rest on mine. This was an intimate walk with a very dear friend. For some time, few words were spoken….just a long quiet walk…a long restful walk.
When I did tell Him of my struggles or concerns or talk of my delight in some new activity, all He would do is turn to me and watch intently to every word I said…He listened as though He fully was fully absorbed in and appreciated everything I had to say….His simple act of turning to me to listen….to focus on and listen to what I had to say…was an attention level that was very deep and very real. That moment said to me, “Bill, this is how much I love you and value you….what you are saying now and going through is important to me….tell me more”. The creator of the universe…deeply interested in me.
Could this be a picture of the simple and intimate love of God – the love and care He wants to share with us each day as we traverse this life? That day my life hurdles were not removed, but my stress over them was.
As you might imagine, it’s impossible to fully describe the comfort and personal nature of that quiet walk with Christ…it’s really hard to put into words those intense, other-worldly feelings…however, I can say that the sense of love, warmth, friendship, peace and relaxation that came over me as I walked down that road was like a long slow rain on a parched field – respite for a weary soul. I still go back to that image of me and Christ from time to time as I learn to lean on Him during my busy days. After sharing this picture of serenity with some friends recently a poem emerged that may help be helpful to you as you consider walking with Christ more intimately this year.
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In stillness now I sense Your side
You turn to me and gaze.
And with no words your eyes convey
A love that truly I can say
can infiltrate the world I know
and turn dark days to purest snow.
– B. Stark
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Psalm 16:11: You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
I Chronicles 16:27 (AMP) Honor and majesty are [found] in His presence; strength and joy are [found] in His sanctuary.
