“You have made known to me the path of life, you will fill me with joy in your presence”. Psalm 16:11.
The presence of The Lord, what joy! Have you ever been going about your day and suddenly sense the Lord’s presence? This happens to me often. Recently, I was riding down the road, just going along, looking at the clouds in the beautiful sky, watching the sun creep through the leafless winter branches. I observed the homes in the surrounding community and noticed a pond and a small field with horses. Suddenly I felt the presence of The Lord. This also happens to me when I’m listening to a song on the radio. I just become consumed with the nearness of God.
Oh what joy I feel in my heart when He—the Mighty Savior, the Rock of Ages, the Great I Am, the Prince of Peace— makes Himself known to me. It’s a special moment. No, it’s more than special. It is astounding that God chooses to bless me with the joy of His presence. It’s a feeling like no other. I become utterly speechless at times. Tears often run down my cheeks, and I find myself getting out my make-up bag at the next red light to freshen my glowing face.
Yes, I said glowing. It’s glowing, not because it’s beautiful, but because, when I look in the mirror, I have a Jesus glow about me. I have a look that says, “You have been with the Lord.”
I really do like this Jesus Glow and find myself wondering why I can’t look this way all the time. Why can’t I experience Jesus’ presence every waking moment of my days?
When searching my heart for the reason, I hear a small voice beckoning, “Come near. Come sit. Come into my presence.”
I am quite often convicted of my lack of time for my Savior. I’m reminded of the time that is wasted on so many unimportant “things” that I like to enjoy. Don’t get me wrong, God want’s His children to have times of refreshment, but we should always remember that He is near. Yes, He is with us. He is Immanuel, God with us. He promised to never leave or forsake us. He is in our presence all the time.
What joy it is when we can converse with the Almighty, when we can look into His Holy Word and see that He has given us not only eternal life, but a life of abundance here on earth—a life of pure joy in His presence.
Won’t you choose to walk this path today? Take Jesus with you and let Him fill you with true joy, everlasting joy, unspeakable joy. Let Him overwhelm your heart and fill your eyes with tears of joy. And yes, you just may have to get out that makeup bag and freshen up your tear-stained checks because Jesus is near and the glory of the Lord is surely on your face.