We saw clearly that the Lord was with you.
Genesis 26:28
Today is my forty-third birthday. I love birthdays. For me, they are time to reflect and refocus my life. I just went out on a two-hour lunch date with the Lord. I brought my Bible and my journal and went to my favorite Japanese restaurant. These are the verses I focused on:
The Lord confides in those who fear him;
He makes his covenant known to them.
My eyes are ever on the Lord,
For only he will release my feet from the snare.
Psalm 25:14 & 15
I want my eyes to always be on God. I want to continually be aware of His presence. I want my life to be so consistently faithful that it is clear that the Lord is with me, regardless of how difficult my circumstances may be. My challenge to myself and to you is to live a life of faith that others can imitate. “You became imitators of us and of the Lord …” (1 Thessalonians 1:6). We can only do this through the power of the Holy Spirit and by deliberately keeping our eyes focused on God.
God is with you in everything that you do.
Genesis 21:22
Book recommendation: Practicing His Presence, Brother Lawrence
I’ve been thinking about you today sweet friend! Trying to call but must have the wrong number. Please text me.
Sara, God is with you in a deep and rich way. You are aware. He longs to be with each person. Your intentionality and the practice of His presence will allow you to hear and see things that God is eager to give to you. Many of us miss hearing His voice because of all the noise. Noise that can only be quieted by His Spirit. I pray He will continue to fill you with His Spirit and that your life will continue to reflect the power of His presence wherever you are.
You are my beloved daughter and I am so proud of who you are as a woman. You are allowing God to come in the midst of very difficult circumstances. I love you. Happy Birthday. dad
Focusing on God is a worthwhile goal. It seems to require a lot of REfocusing in my experience. Thanks for the reminder! When we keep our eyes on Him, He can release us. He will do the work if we will keep our eyes on him–wow!
Happy Belated Birthday, Sara! Great encouragement. I desire the same thing. And, you’re right. It’s a deliberate choice to keep our eyes focused on Him. Some days it can so hard. I’m thankful that each day is a new day and a new opportunity!
Happy, happy birthday my dear and special Friend! Thank you for imitating Jesus in your quiet joy in all things. Your joy spurs me on to, as you said, “live a life of faith that others can imitate”.
I look forward to seeing you this week!
Thank you all for taking the time to write a comment. It means a lot to me!
Great exhortation! Thank you Sara! That is what one of my goals for 2012, to practice His presence all day long. I tend to be a “compartmentalized” thinker so it’s hard for me to multi task. I’m trying to learn how to pray, speak God’s word and praise Him even while doing other things. Any advice??🙂