Light, space, zest ~ that’s God!
So, with him on my side I’m fearless,
afraid of no one and nothing.
~ Psalms 27:1 (The Message Version)
The ominous clouds crawled and clawed their way across the rain-swollen sky. Each had a name they bore with a frown and a grimace reflected in their metallic darkness. The leaders were Terror, Angst, and Mercilessness; they were taking their time, staking a claim, and overwhelming the earth as they strafed the valley below.
Just over the horizon, there was a streak of light not yet enveloped by the looming storm, it too had a name: “Word of God!”
To some, It appeared weak, and timid, and seemed to have no will to claim the sky, but to others, it shone as “Promise” and they waited for deliverance. The storm raged on.
I, the watcher, sit in a protected place ~ a place of study, thought, and excitement. A place of waiting, and so, I wait… pinned by my held breath and expectations. My emotions reined tight, my desires are chained, I have no fear. I loose my faith, and knowledge rides on the wind as I breathe deeply of this uncreated time, and wonder when God will awaken me from this unique dream.
Even when the way goes through
Death Valley, I’m not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd’s crook
makes me feel secure.
Psalm 23:4 (MSG)
From this place where I watch the heavens, time has no meaning. Even here my mind and heart are open and I crave a word, “the Word.” It will carry me over, past, or through the storm, destroying personal clouds that I call by their given names.
One day he and his disciples got in a boat. “Let’s cross the lake,” he said. And off they went. It was smooth sailing, and he fell asleep. A terrific storm came up suddenly on the lake. Water poured in, and they were about to capsize. They woke Jesus: “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
Getting to his feet, he told the wind, “Silence!” and the waves, “Quiet down!” They did it. The lake became smooth as glass.
Then he said to his disciples, “Why can’t you trust me?”
They were in absolute awe, staggered and stammering, “Who is this, anyway? He calls out to the winds and sea, and they do what he tells them!” ~ Luke 8:23-25 (MSG)
I have a sense of calmness, and as I look, I see the gloomy clouds are still there, but there has been a change in their names. Now they answer to Overrated, Powerless, and Temporary ~ their sting is gone; though they still appear on the scene, they are fading. I glance toward the growing light; although it is brighter than the sun I cannot turn away. I am drawn; I answer, “Cover me!”
For I am God, your very own God, who stirs up the sea and whips up the waves, named God-of-the-Angel-Armies. I teach you how to talk, word by word, and personally watch over you, Even while I’m unfurling the skies, setting earth on solid foundations, and greeting Zion: ‘Welcome, my people!’ Isaiah 51: 16 (MSG)
I become aware, and begin to stir; the “place” becomes my sofa, where I took my afternoon nap. I beg, “Oh please, don’t let me lose it.”
“Lose what?” is the answer.
“Time; the time I am drawn to Your word. Time, time when I experience You in ordinary and in extraordinary places!”
“Well, that would be up to you. I will meet you anywhere, in storms or when calm, but I exist in timelessness, you live in time. I manage your eternity; you are free to manage your ‘time’.”
I am wide awake! I have much to ponder…
His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God’s Word. We can’t get away from it ~ no matter what.
~ Hebrews 4:12 (MSG)
{Originally posted March 2015.}