Slow down and enjoy His presence.

Sometimes when we look at other religions that practice mediation, we can throw out the baby with the bath water. Meditation is a fantastic way to hear God, sometimes the only way. We feel the need to tick off our Bible reading and plow through our prayer list so we can get on with real stuff we have to do. We lose so much when we fail to slow down and stop, resting in His presence to hear what He has to say.

You will show me the path of life, in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Ps 16:11) How do we enjoy all that fullness of joy if we don’t receive it in His presence? The time we spend with Him is like a tithe. We think we don’t have enough to give, when the opposite is the truth. We can’t afford not to give Him our time. And it’s amazing how much more we can get done when we do.

Linger with Him. So many times I have to wait on Him for His word. I wait and wait and wait, and then, there it is. He wants me to sit with Him so He holds back what I’m asking for so I don’t leave too soon. It’s always worth it when I wait with Him. How many times have I turned away assuming that He had nothing to say! He is a Lover who wants our attention and blesses us when we give it. Practice the art of lingering and see how much more you get from your devotions.