Experiencing God's Presence #290

We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

2 Peter 1:19, NIV

The excitement of a new day comes with the rising of the Presence within us. Many of us interpret verses like 2 Peter 1:19 in the context of Jesus’ second coming, and it’s true that Scripture often points us toward that event. But the light of prophetic and apostolic testimonies is meant to shine in the night of our soul until the Morning Star—Jesus, according to Revelation 22:16—rises in our hearts. In other words, we hang on to the Lord’s promises until we experience the fulfillment of them within us. The words are the signposts; His Presence is the goal.

This is what we long for. That feeling of excitement about life, of adventure and exploits—these are the possibilities of a new day dawning within us. The things that excite us—about the world, God’s creation, a new relationship, a new interest, a new goal or ambition or dream—do so because of some characteristic or attribute of God reflected in them. We scarcely realize it, but we are drawn to the creativity and beauty of God in the people and things He has made and the ways they function and interact. He has placed His personality in creation. All things in the world that are truly interesting for their beauty or creativity or intrigue are interesting because they reflect something about Him. Our enthusiasm for life, when we have it, is really about Him.

The more He dawns in our hearts, the more we wake up to a new day with enthusiasm. The Kingdom adventure to which we are called can only be enjoyed when He is directing it from within us. And He promises that He will.

Jesus, rise up within me and live the joy of Your life through me.

From the book