There Is No Shadow In His Presence

I was awakened by God's Spirit this morning rather early.  This is no uncommon thing with me.  Many things can keep you awake at night or wake you up in the middle of the night.  It can be a barking dog, too much pizza, or stress and worry over current events.  But you just know it when it's the Holy Spirit.  Today...it was the Holy Spirit.

I've walked with God long enough to know that when this happens to me, it's time to get up and pray. So I did.  These times are so extremely special to me.  So special because He is calling me to come to Him instead of me calling on Him to come to me.  There is nothing wrong with either scenario.  It's just more special to me to know He desires my presence enough to gently awaken me to come and be with Him.

I always employ the vehicle of anointed praise and worship to enter His gates and His courts.  This morning was no different.  The communion was sweet as I basked in His presence.  At one point during our fellowship He spoke something very significant to me.  He said "There is no shadow in My presence."  You see, the shadows of this life bring confusion, discouragement, and fear.  Shadows represent what we don't fully know, understand, or see.  It is in the shadows we can be overcome with these negative emotions.  But in His presence, there are no shadows! As a matter of fact, David wrote, "...In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever." (Psalm 16:11) Oh that we would spend more time in His presence!

He is the light of the world. His life is the light of men. His light is the only light that dispels the shadow of death. He is the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. His light overpowers the darkness, because He Himself has overpowered all darkness!

It still amazes me how time in His presence gives me strength and changes my entire perspective.  God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all.  Exposure to His very essence changes us.  I emerged from my encounter this morning with new perspective and new strength (even though I lost some sleep).

Even though He called me this morning, I feel He demonstrated to me (once again) the significance of an encounter with His presence.  Whether we initiate the approach to Him or He beckons us to come (like this morning) the key is the benefit of being with Him.  Try it.  I am convinced you will like it.