Happy Wednesday, friends!

Have you ever been to a sleepover? As a young girl, I loved staying the night at my best friend’s house. We did each other’s hair. We played with makeup and nail polish. We chatted and giggled for hours. After dark we’d share secrets. We grew to know each other so well we could tell when the other was mad, irritated, or hurt.

These words from Jennifer Rothschild in our Psalm 23 study book remind me of those times with my best friend:

“The more we stay in the presence of the Lord... the more aware we are of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.”

I’ll explain why that reminds me of the times with my friend in a minute, so hang with me. But first, did you notice the word “stay”? Merriam-Webster defines it as: “to continue in a place or condition or to remain.” Did you notice it does not say anything about “every once in a while” or “only on Sundays”? There’s a reason for that, friends!

I came to know my best friend well because I stayed with her often. Would I know her as well if I had never spent time with her? Would I be able to discern her feelings if I only talked to her once a week?

After all that digging, I had to ask myself those same questions about our Shepherd ... How much time do I spend with Him? Am I intentional about staying in His presence, or do I reach out to Him only when I need Him?

Phew! That’s powerful to think about, right?

Let me tell you, it was tough for me to examine how I’m doing in that area. I did it anyway, though. Why? Because I don’t want to unravel when problems show up in my life. I don’t want to have sleepless nights or carry around worry. I want to be aware of the Holy Spirit’s power and presence so I can enjoy God’s blessings and joy in every season of my life. What about you?

The Scriptures declare God has prepared blessings for us [Psalm 31:19]. Jennifer reminds us over and over that what God offers is available to us all the time. All we have to do is choose to stay in His presence. With God’s help, I know we can do this, friends! I’m ready. Are you?

Brandy

Reflect and Respond:

What keeps you from staying in God’s presence? Do you think the time you currently spend with God is enough? Why or why not?