Experiencing God's Presence #143

Experiencing God's Presence #143

Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don’t pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the LORD’s holy day.

Isaiah 58:13

“You can experience My Presence at any moment of any day. But you won’t unless you quiet your physical senses and turn your spiritual senses toward Me. I love for you to do that at various times throughout each day. But I created a world that often keeps you occupied in earning a living, and most days are filled with activities that require your focus. And though you can learn to keep Me in mind as you focus on other things, I’ve designed you to need times of rest and refreshing in My Presence—times when you let Me fill your thoughts and feelings more than usual. I’ve set aside one day a week for you to joyfully experience Me.

“You need that day. I would never have commanded it if you didn’t. It isn’t a helpful suggestion; it’s a vital necessity. And many of My people neglect it.

“Why do so many people lament that they can’t experience My Presence when they don’t even set aside a day to do so? My people fret about not hearing My voice, not sensing My Spirit, not having clear direction, not feeling refreshed, and not understanding My Word. Yet most who miss out on such blessings are ignoring one of the primary means to get them. That’s like never seeking a job and then complaining about having no money. Do you really want to know Me? Then set aside a day to know Me. It isn’t complicated.

“I take no pleasure in strict demands; that’s not what My Sabbath is. I take pleasure in relationships, and you can’t deepen the relationship without spending time with Me. I want to bless you with rest and My Presence. Please let Me.”

Lord, so many things fill up my days of rest. It seems like I don’t have time. Please multiply my efforts on other days, and help Me protect the day of rest and Presence.