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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD
Encountering an extraordinary God in ordinary life
Issue # 162 June 08, 2001
A Meditation Exercise
A question I am often asked by people is how to really feel God’s presence. They have accepted Christ as Saviour but don’t know that they have ever felt His love.
Today’s Gleanings is going to be different than most days, because I’m going to suggest a meditation exercise that might help you experience that feeling.
Meditation has a bit of a stigma attached to it because of its association to eastern religions, but it is really a very solid Christian discipline.
Trust me on this, I’m not turning into a crazy eastern religious guru. My beliefs have not changed, it is simply another tool to feel the presence of Christ.
I’m going to give you a Scripture to think on and then a bit of a visualization exercise. Some of you may not be used to visualization exercises, so it may feel a little uncomfortable at first, but it is worth relaxing and trying.
No one will know about it but you and God.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake, I am still with you.
Psalm 139:13-18 NIV
Find a comfortable spot where you can be quiet and undisturbed for a few minutes. For some of you that will be easier than others.
Reread the Scripture verses above, on how God knows us before we are born. Consider the fact that the Creator of the universe knew all about you before you were born and still loved you and sent His Son to die in your place.
Think back to a moment in your life where you felt love. As a mother perhaps the first time you held your child. Maybe at your wedding. Perhaps being held by a parent. If you have had a hard life without experiencing a lot of love, perhaps a moment when you felt happiest.
Now close you eyes and relax. As you do reflect on that moment of feeling love until it comes back clearly to you.
As you recall that feeling, picture a huge loving hand cradling you. It’s the hand of God, who knew you and loved you before you were born. We know that’s truth because the Bible tells us that it is.
As this gentle hand holds you, imagine the strongest feeling of love you’ve known and allow it to multiply an infinite number of times. Ask Jesus to allow you to feel His presence and love. As much as we have ever felt love in the past, is only a drop in the bucket compared with how much God loves us.
Simply savour His presence for a while and thank Him for loving you and forgiving you.
Afterwards, if you have felt the presence of God, and would like to share the experience with me, drop me a quick email (corbin_writer@hotmail.com) and describe it.
When you are feeling alone next time remember the feeling of being held in God’s strong and gentle hand.
Until next time, may you be sustained by His great love for you.
God bless.
Kevin
If you have felt His love, but never given your life over to Him email me. I’ll share a few Bible verses that will explain why you need a relationship with Him and a prayer that will make it possible.
© 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin
All Rights Reserved