Here we are. The last two weeks of 2016, one of my hardest years to date. Mine was full of transition and uncertainty, new ideas and what often felt like homicidal death of various dreams by my Loving, Good God. And yet, I sit here at the end of it, still overwhelmed by the faithfulness of Emmanuel. Though, admittedly, this particular season my head is having to talk my heart into that truth a bit more. (The warning label that comes with this series The Final Fortnight reads as follows: I have been numbering my days, and as a matter of fact, I wonder if a fortnight is what remains for me on this earth. I am not being intentionally morbid, and there is no need to panic and hide the knives. And save your 911 calls. This is in large part due to this odd-shaped pause that the Lord has ordained in my life. Two weeks of solitude and then I don't know where I'll be, with whom I'll be living, realistically what I'll be doing. Maybe I'll be Home. It isn't that I don't still see purpose for my life; I can see many. It isn't that I don't know there are those God has sent to love me and I them. But in any case, He has prompted me to reflect and share 14 pieces of truth that He has imparted over the course of my life, a fortnight's worth of posts to keep you making room in your hearts for Him. I suppose this is one of those precious advantages of being single at Christmas, even of not going home and enjoying the snow. It means I have the time to devote to "speaking" some life into your hearts as you interact with friends and family this season, which we know can be soberingly bittersweet depending on the size of our expectations going in. I also love that my God is so kind that even if no one reads any of these, I can rest confidently that I have been faithful to be obedient to His prompting. ) I spent some time looking at how much of the New Testament ends each of the books, and one of the ones I was struck by was Matthew 28:20. "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." It's the cherished truth we cling to this time of year, that the One who was announced as Emmanuel in the first chapter of the book also leaves with the reminder of His continual presence. It's the exclamation point to what we see in Revelation, that the dwelling of God is with man (Revelation 21:3). And it's certainly the emphasis He has been putting on every truth He has ever revealed to me. That's why the following on this first night of The Final Fortnight, is SUCH an important reality to lay hold of. Coram Deo. Once upon a time I went to a conference where these words were the theme. I don't remember much of what was said to be honest, but thankfully, I remember what it means: "in the presence of God." (I also recall years later seeing one of the stickers they gave out on someone's TV, which in my opinion was a rock solid place to put it.)
Much like that sticker, the phrase has stuck with me over the years, Sometimes the glue gets a little worn and I have to reapply it on my heart, but it is something He will just not let me get rid of. He has emphasized that it is not enough to know that I am in His presence but to act in the fact of that nearness. This brings with it every aspect of His nature. It means His justice is not far off, His comfort is eminent, His peace palpable. Yes, the gaze of Your Heavenly Lover is upon you not "merely" from a lofty place but a personal one. NEVER forget this. It will change the way you think, desire and behave because You have accepted that His Spirit is real. It means you'll go to Him faster in the chaos, your loneliness will abate, and even in the mundane of the ordinary day, you'll find yourself cognizant of Him. It won't be scary because You'll know His kindness better. You'll know HIM better. The lyrics: "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace" will ring joyfully in your heart. Whenever I have lost sight of this, I dabble with depressing thoughts, the lies of the enemy get louder and I am crushed by my circumstances. If the Lord has chosen to fill His Word with reminders of His Presence (seriously look into it), it is significant to our living this side of heaven. So, my friends, Coram Deo. Live in light of the Presence of your Good God.
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