You And God Alone
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Good morning, Lord
Verse of the Day: “For the Lord will go ahead of you; yes, the God of Israel will protect you from behind.” – Isaiah 52:12
Memory verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Readings: GENESIS 46-48 MATTHEW 13:1-30
You And God Alone
My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.—Psalm 5:3
Luke 5:16 ►But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
People all over the world have different ways of going before God and being still as they meet God face to face. It is all important to find a place, be still and listen, and praise, and be silent.
One teacher wrote that we should sit in silence until all the sounds of the world have faded away. That is very difficult for someone in a place where there is much outside noise such as the city. But God has a place of silence in the city for you in the city, too.
Many times it is not the outside noise that distracts us or keeps us from hearing God. Much noise is carried by many inside. Much worry over worldly pressures with money or family or illnesses can keep us from getting to the silence before our Father. It is always the choice made from inside desire. Do we desire it enough-the face to face with Him-to choose to let go and hear from God?
Learning to tune out the weight of the world in God's presence can and will extend to the time out of the quiet before God if we choose. This is where the grace and peace of God carries us through the daily grind-if we want it enough to carry it with us and concentrate on Him. This does not make us aloof and distant from the world but strong and alert and centered to act and react with wisdom.
You are to be only who God wants. You are not to be 'closer' to God than someone else. This suggests competition. You are to be as close as you can get with God-not closer than someone else. There is no one else there but you. It is you and God alone-the way He wants it.
The voices of the world are gone-the pressures of the world are gone-concern for self is gone-all is God.
You and God alone...then God goes before you and always has your back. “For the Lord will go ahead of you; yes, the God of Israel will protect you from behind.” – Isaiah 52:12
...because He loves us...
Father in Heaven,
Remove my fear of silence in front of You. I want to hear You.
Merciful God of wisdom and peace.
In the name of Christ Jesus,
Amen
