Daily Worship, Spirit and Word July 26, 2024

When I was a young teenager, I had encounter with God. I was at a Christian concert where the presence of God was very strong. (Yes, we experienced God’s presence way back then. God’s manifested presence has been encountered by people ever since the outpouring of The Holy Spirit recorded in the Book of Acts.) The Spirit of The LORD came over me and I began to imagine myself trying to get to heaven but falling short. It was kind of like running a physical road race. I could see the destination point but I could not make it any closer. All of a sudden I saw Jesus run to me and embrace me and we crossed the finish line together. For me, it was a profound experience and I knew that I would never have to run my race alone from that day forth. I still feel The LORD’s embrace. All I have to do is sit and become aware of Him and He surrounds me with His love.

I share this experience with you this morning. Find a place to be still and quiet. Ask Holy Spirit to reveal Himself to you as the ever-present presence of God. Imagine yourself on your own in that race and you have run out of your own strength. You’ve got to make it, but there is no way to do it. It seems to be a lost cause. But here comes Jesus running to you. He will not leave you to fail. He reaches out to you and you take His hand. He helps you stand and gives you a drink. He slips His arm under yours and around your waste and, suddenly, you are strengthened. You are drawing strength that you never knew and you run with Jesus to your destination. What relief! What joy! What a friend we have in Jesus! The Lord is our strength. We are not alone. His help is always available to us.