January 3, 2023 – Reflection on “I Will Dwell in Your Midst!”

       Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come, and I will dwell in your midst, declares the Lord. And many nations shall join themselves to the Lord in that day and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. Zechariah 2:10-11.

      Mother always cleaned house when guests were arriving. Therefore, this verse made me long to get the dustpan and broom for my heart.

         Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20. I didn’t realize that Jesus takes us just as we are. He already knows the state of hearts and minds and loves us.

         Whether we realize it or not, His Presence is in our Midst. It has taken a lifetime to learn the truth of this verse. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forever more. Psalm 16:11.

         When we think of the word pleasures, we think of what the world offers to provide enjoyment. There are basic heart and mind pleasures that are deeper and more lasting. They continue for an eternity–Love, Joy, and Peace, plus Obedience and Faithfulness. These explode into the awareness of His Presence.

            His glory is great through Your salvation; splendor and majesty you bestow on him. For You make him most blessed forever; You make him glad with the joy of Your Presence. For the king trusts in the Lord, and through the steadfast love of the Most High, he shall not be moved. Psalm 21:5-7.

         Chapters One and Two of Genesis provide God’s preparations for us to live here on earth. What do you see when you see a flower bloom, when a leaf falls to earth or on opening a ripe pepper and see it is stuffed with seeds? I asked Mother why she loved flowers so much. Her answer changed my heart to see the Presence of God in a flower, a bird, and even a pesky squirrel as he clambers up a tree, always on the move. He is the Master Creator of all we see.

        Psalm 139 has been one of my favorite chapters showing His Omnipresence!  O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Psalm 139:1-6. This glorious chapter ends with the declaration: Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23-24.

         Meditating on the glory of God’s Presences is like breathing the oxygen He created for us. It begins by choosing to read His Word. While recovering from a fall, I found a verse, while learning to walk again and became my ‘go to verse’ for continuing! So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:1. All I could do was go through the exercises of rehab, and this would glorify God! This gave me purpose to live and learn what God taught me through this humbling experience!

          The world wants us to please ourselves and do as we desire. However, it is an eternal matter when we displease, Our Father in Heaven, who created us to live with Him for an eternity. The term Children of God depicts our relationship to God. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of Him. By this, we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey His commandments. I John 5:1-3.

         Practicing the piano as a child gave me much joy as I grew older. Practicing the presence of God is a discipline of the heart and mind transforming us.

         Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2.

         Why did God create the world and create us? LOVE. We love because He first loved us. I John 4:19.

         And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10.

          First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4.

         Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. Psalm 86:11-12.

         Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 1:24-25.