As we continue to look at “The Practice of the Presence of God” from Brother Lawrence, I am reminded that the letters of this humble servant of God show us that the soul that seeks the daily presence of God will find Him in every circumstance of life.
Brother Lawrence begins one of his letters with the following, “We have a God who is infinitely gracious and knows all about our wants. He will come in His own time and when you least expect it. Hope in Him more than ever; thank Him with me for the favors He does you, particularly for the fortitude and patience which He gives you in your affliction. It is a plain mark of the care He takes in you. Comfort yourself, then, with Him, and give thanks for all.” In Psalm 55:22 it says, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” In 1 Peter 5:7 it also says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” I don’t know of anyone else who cares for you like the Good Shepherd, Jesus. He is never too late, He is always on time. I remember one time when I was at a conference and I got a phone call from Cammi. She knew I was there and called a few times in a row. I got up and walked out to answer the call. She was very sick and didn’t know what to do. She was miles away from me at college. The cancer had returned and every small sickness could lead to anything. I encouraged her to call her close friend and go to the emergency room. My heart was desperate and I was so far away from her that I couldn’t physically be there which didn’t help me at all. As I returned to the Worship Center, the worship team was singing a song she had sung in our church in the past. It was called, “It Is Well.” I will never forget the confirmation that the Lord gave me at that time. It was as if He was right beside me telling me that it will be alright. I trusted the Lord at that time like no other time. The words say, “Grander earth has quaked before. Moved by the sound of His voice. Seas that are shaken and stirred can be calmed and broken in my regard. And through it all, through it all, my eyes are on You. Through it all it is well with my soul. And far be it from me to not believe even when my eyes can’t see. And this mountain that’s in front of me will be thrown into the midst of the sea. So let go my soul and trust in Him. The waves and wind still know His name. So let go my soul and trust in Him.” Sometimes I pull away early in the morning, go in the Worship Center, and just bask in the Good Shepherd who leads me. I sit at the piano and play the song, “It Is Well,” and just cast all of my cares on the Lord. When is the last time you pulled away from the routine and let God remind you of His love? Soon, your despair will turn into praising the One and Only. God wants us to seek Him at all times, wherever we may be. May God richly pour out His Spirit on you today. Just know that we prayed for you today in our “Front Row” Prayer ministry at the church. This Sunday we will continue to look at the wonderful grace of God. Joy in Jesus! Pastor Mike
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Rev. Mike McClurgSenior Pastor, Findlay First Church of the Nazarene Archives
March 2020
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