Over the past few years I have come to realize that “commitment” is such a weak word. I have come to realize that anything less than an obsession for the Father’s affectionate presence doesn’t have a chance in a world filled with disappointment and pain. With an enemy who has no problem spending all of hell’s resources on me being half-hearted in the way I indulge in my Father’s love, my obsession with my Father’s presence has become of supreme importance.
As many of you know, Brother Lawrence was a simple man who became famous for how he walked with God in everyday life. I love his three hundred year old words from “The Practice of the Presence Of God”:
When any outside business unnecessarily diverted me from my communication with God, a little reminder came from the Lord that took possession of my soul, flooding it with the images of God. This sometimes set me on fire to the point that I felt a great impulse to shout praises, to sing, and to dance before the Lord with joy.
Holy Spirit give me the courage this week to respond to your affection with no filter of what people think. You are THE advocate of freedom and I choose You to be my advocate of freedom! Come Holy Spirit Come!
Amen. These words are written on a post-it note and stuck to computer screen at work:
“in obedience to your commands as I apply my mind to these outward things, I ask you to grant me the grace to continue in your presence. To this end make me prosper through your assistance. Receive all my work, and possess all my affections.” – Brother Lawrence
“…for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready. It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright {and} clean…” Revelation 19:7-8
I indulge in my father’s love when I believe the truth in Revelation 19:8 that He is THE ulimate Romantic and it is expressed throughout His Word.
Admist learning about his affection, verses like Colossians 3:18 and Proverbs 31:11 take on new meaning!
• “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.”
• “Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.”
We would live obsessive lives if we let the romancer romance us, the one who calls us “betrothed to Himself.” Hosea 2:19
Ahhh…I love this! I wanna see those images all around me. In everything- that the most natural pieces & parts to my day would become the most supernatural. And in turn- radiate of His very nature. Hmmm…So good!
Good word- thanks Matt!
wow! this word encourages me to break out of the every day grind, into the His excitement to be with me!