This is a repost from April, 2012:
by Freida Harrison
“Before me, even as behind, God is and all is well.”
~~John Greenleaf Whittier
There was an extraordinary feeling in the early morning sunshine. As I walked in the peaceful country setting, God’s presence was evident as far as the eye could see. Bees buzzed around blossoms, and butterflies fluttered and danced around flowers, each searching for nectar to drink. A soft breeze whispered in my ears, and the sun filtered through the lush green leaves of the trees whose canopy hid much of the sky. Shallow, swift-flowing water was transporting twigs and yellowed leaves along the small stream at a rapid clip. The sound of the water was mesmerizing, soothing. A few birds were chirping high up in the trees, and in the distance I heard a cow mooing, then the gobble of a turkey. Morning dew, plants, and dirt intermingled to create a pleasant earthy scent that was noticeable with each breath.
My perception of God’s beautiful creation was enhanced by the realization that he was there with me as I walked among the trees and focused on the splendid surroundings. His presence was as real as the sound of the flowing water. Rather than talking, we were quiet as we walked together through the wooded area, around the large rocks, and near the stream. That simple act of being together was enough–more than enough. God’s presence on that memorable morning quenched my thirst for Him unlike any other time we have experienced together.
In Psalms 46:10 we read, “Be still and know that I am God.” Even though I was strolling through the woods and not completely still, our quiet time within the trees and big rocks was its own kind of stillness–moments that were set apart especially for us–moments to remember forever.
Before leaving God’s time of blessing that remarkable day, I broke the silence for a few minutes to express my thanks and gratitude for His walk with me. It was a momentous and unforgettable experience that transpired in an amazing setting during a unique season in my life.
It is my prayer that you, too, have special memories with God–memories with Him that you will cherish forever.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your numerous blessings. Thank you for the quiet time that you spent with me in the woods and for the memories of all the times that you have come to me–whether in time of need or simply for precious moments together. What an awesome God you are! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
But as for me, it is good to be near God.
Psalms 73:28
Come near to God and he will come near to you.
James 4:8
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Psalms 42:1-2
Copyright © 2012, Freida Harrison, All Rights Reserved. Breath of Life Women’s Ministries. Bible scripture taken from NIV (1984)