Once a year, the Church of the Nazarene schedules a leadership retreat for its District Superintendents and their spouses. They choose a warm climate and a quiet getaway for us to step into as we step out of our chaotic schedules. It is an opportunity to soak in the sun while we soak in the presence of God’s Son. We have worship services and incredible messages by our General Superintendents.
As difficult as it is for me to leave my girls behind and leave my job behind, I know that I need this. I know how spending time in God’s presence can change me and refresh me. But this is something I need every day, all year – not just at a spiritual retreat. That is why I get up each morning and spend time in His presence before the house gets loud and the day picks up momentum. Me, my God and a hot cup of my morning coffee.
…the godly will live in your presence. – Psalm 140:13b
Spending time in God’s presence changes us.
Spending time with the Lord produces godliness in our lives. Spending time daily getting a fresh filling of the Spirit produces good fruit in our life. It changes what we do and what we say.
Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.
Don’t let me drift toward evil or take part in acts of wickedness.
Don’t let me share in the delicacies of those who do wrong. – Psalm 141:3-4
Lord, I long to dwell in Your presence and give you control of what I say and what I do. Lord, protect me from the urgings of my sinful nature and breathe into me the urgings of Your Spirit. Guide what I say and what I do. Guide the direction of my life, O God.
Spending time in God’s presence changes our direction.
When I am overwhelmed, YOU ALONE KNOW THE WAY I SHOULD TURN.
Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me.
I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought!
No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me.
Then I pray to you, O Lord.
I say, “You are my place of refuge.
YOU ARE ALL I REALLY WANT IN LIFE.” – Psalm 142:3-5
Spending time in God’s presence changes our desires.
Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.
Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me.
TEACH ME TO DO YOUR WILL, for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. – Psalm 143:8-10
Spending time in God’s presence brings us joy!
Yes, joyful are those who live like this!
Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord. – Psalm 144:15
Spending time in God’s presence draws us closer to Him.
The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.
He grants the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cries for help and rescues them. – Psalm 145:18-19
…the godly will live in your presence. – Psalm 140:13b
That is where I long to spend my day – in Your presence, Lord. Not just while I drank my morning coffee, but all day long. May Your presence in my life today change me – change my desires, change my direction. May time in Your presence bring me joy and draw me closer to You. Lord, refresh me and renew me for what lies ahead. I soak in Your presence, Father God, and fix my eyes on You.