It was really fun reading different versions of Psalm 16:11 today and the one above was my favorite. I was intrigued by the phrase, 'full of the joy of His face'. But after further investigation it really translates, "of your faces", which indicates, you guessed it, the trinity. I love that! It usually reads, 'in your presence is fullness of joy' so to understand that it is really saying that I will have joy as I am face to face with the Father, Son and Spirit...is way cool. And it can happen everyday!
There has been alot said and written about how to practice the presence of God, how to get in His presence, stay in His presence, walk in His presence etc. But somehow I don't think those things are the problem. I think I am the problem. I make getting in His presence about ME. What hoops do I have to jump through today? Did I say my prayer right? Did I stay and listen long enough? Did I praise Him enough? Should I worship a little longer next time? Did I confess all my sins, forgive my neighbor? Wake up early enough? Did I, did I, did I? And this one is the kicker, I feel so guilty because I haven't been consistent...so I better just stay away longer! Oi!
What part of 'there's joy in the presence of the Lord' do I not understand? And guess what folks, it ain't about me! It's about Him! "Faithful is He who called you and He will do it". It's not by might nor by power but by His Spirit!" Hallelujah! Oh my goodness, God is on our side. He loved us when we were wearing our fig leaves and thinking we were all cute!
I was saved at Downey First Baptist Church. I was 15. I hadn't really attended any other churches other than an occasional vacation Bible school when I was really young. The one song that we sang every single Sunday was an old hymn called, 'Just As I Am'. It's simple message stirred something deep inside of me. The words said, 'yes, even you can come, Terri'. It's funny because I have been thinking, with great fondness, about that old hymn lately because it is exactly where I am today. And it is where I need to stay. Even though Jesus' death was all about me, and all for me, and utterly love inspired, to twist it into some obligatory, performance oriented, hoop jumping, antic on my part, pretty much guarantees I will find no joy in His presence while I am the center of attention.
The thing that continually surprises me, is that when I show up to hang out with Him, just as I am. He is there. He is always there. Sometimes with a profound lesson, like yesterday. And sometimes with a simple message, like today. But I am learning to tune in, to wait, and to just be, because that's enough. He just wants me. And you. Just as we are.
I am leaving you with the words to the great hymn, written by Charlotte Elliot in 1835. Blessings.
Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about,
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Hath broken every barrier down;
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
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