‘You make known to me the PATH OF LIFE; in YOUR PRESENCE there is FULLNESS OF JOY; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.’Psalm 16:11
Thanks to my audience for your faithfulness in reading my blogs and following me along life’s path. I love hearing your stories as I travel, see your remarks on Facebook or in the comment section. Please feel free to pass along my blog to others who might find the stories helpful or the questions asked beneficial.
What an inspiration of hope and joy to know that we can be an encouragement to one another, that we are not alone on this journey.
In this Christmas season I am reminded of Matthew 2:10 where we hear the story of the Shepherds, ‘And when they saw the star they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.’
‘And the Psalmist tells us in Psalm 16:11b “In your presence there is fullness of joy.’ Psalm 16:11b
We all have our stories but we are part of God’s bigger story together. Let’s keep intentionally telling our God Stories in Praise to God.
SO AS YOU LOOK BACK OVER 2019 WHAT HAS BROUGHT YOU HIS GREAT JOY?
One joy recently, Jim (my husband) and I returned from a trip to Europe where we were with a group of 75 young leaders where we both spoke on the Theme of “Dwelling” for 6 sessions. Shawna, our daughter, also joined us and spoke. It became a beautiful family affair; not to mention an incredible theme.
What a privilege also to serve the next generation. One of the sessions I spoke on was built around the theme of Dwell from Psalm 84.
‘Blessed are those who dwell in your house (the Lord’s) ever singing your praise, SELAH.’ As I practice sitting in His presence and singing praises to Him, my heart longs to draw others along with me. (Even if I cannot carry a tune).
Christ came down to this earth and dwelt among us in order to offer life and eternal life to all. He is ‘Emmanual’ ‘God with us’! God invites ‘us’ to come into his presence, to dwell with Him. One day we can sit with Him forever.
As we sat with these young leaders from all over the world for 8 days we felt God’s love and affection. We dwelt together in His presence. What a joy to hear their Kairos moments (those epoch moments) with God (His Story in their lives) as well as their respective journeys’ of pain over the last year. They vulnerably allowed us to peep into their beautiful hearts. Do not underestamate the power of skilled listening, sitting in God’s presence together hearing one another’s stories and watch God do the healing.
How can we be present and show God’s love for others if we have not learned to experience His personal presence daily ourselves? This reminds me of another story that still lingers in my mind’s eye with much joy but not without a path of pain.