Another Kind of Encounter

It is a thrill to sense the heavens part and experience a powerful encounter with the Divine. This kind of spiritual high can fortify one´s faith and send us seeking the Lord in earnest. It can be so striking that the world loses its charm, and it can feed the faith of others. But there is a different kind of encounter that could bring us closer and hold us to our Savior even longer. This kind of encounter comes when the walls that divide God´s world and ours grow thin. So little separates us that we can sense the Lord near us as we go about our day. The sensation may not be as spectacular as a sudden awareness. But it is awareness of God´s presence nonetheless.

When a Christian grows close enough to Christ, that closeness becomes something real. We become so used to engaging with our dearest friend that we know without a shadow of a doubt that He is right here. This kind of nearness needs no proof other than the quiet knowledge that our God is with us. As we speak to Him, we are as sure as if we were watching the responses spread across our partner´s face. Learning to detect this silent presence is an art. But it will go far in tuning us to God and His kingdom. Without this bond, we may never see God´s kingdom at all!

Dear Lord, as we wait for the clearer visions of Your presence, help us develop a steady awareness that You are here. When we sense You near, even in the smallest amounts, it repays our hope. Knowing without doubt that we are not alone lifts our lives to where we live each experience with You. That is why we want to go to heaven—to be with You! So please, let us start practicing now. Be with us, and let us be with You, conciously, heart and soul. Amen

Joshua 1:9 ESV / 118 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Zephaniah 3:17 ESV / 93 helpful votes 

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

Matthew 28:20 ESV / 89 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV / 86 helpful votes 

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?

Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV / 82 helpful votes 

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Psalm 23:4 ESV / 80 helpful votes 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.