There are times when I want to be with my mom or best friend, not because I need something or have anything planned, just because I crave time with them. It doesn’t matter that we aren’t doing anything or even if we aren’t saying anything; simply being in the same room with them offers my heart comfort. This is what we need to develop in our relationship with God. I believe this is what He wants as well.
“Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.”
Psalm 131:2
I first remember this verse taking root in my heart when my dad passed away. After spending weeks in grief over losing him, my soul quieted one evening and this verse spoke to the calmness that settled over me. The waves of struggling against the grief began to pass into acceptance of this new uncomfortable longing to see him again. And in that moment, I felt the comfort of my Father’s presence as He offered His peace in exchange for the churning of grief.
Moments like these remind me of the joy of simply resting in God’s company. I seek them too infrequently. Perhaps, like me, you need to sit quietly with God for a few moments and seek Him. Don’t ask for answers or for anything other than His presence. Let the burdens you carry slip away and just spend time with Him. There in the quiet you will find the calm and peace your soul needs to connect with God in an intangible, meaningful, and remarkably personal way.
You will come away from being still in the presence of God feeling refreshed, loved, and encouraged. Much like spending time in the company of good friends, you are lifted up and encouraged just by sharing space, regardless of what you do or say. Comradery is defined as “a feeling of friendliness, goodwill, and familiarity” which perfectly describes the sense of belonging that God invites us into.
Spend some time with God this week developing a greater sense of His presence. Let your soul remember that God is a faithful friend who longs to draw near to His creation. If your schedule is so full that you can’t carve out “quiet” time, then invite God to join you on your commute, while cooking dinner, or in whatever you are doing throughout the day. He is always near and ready to join you if you simply open the door and invite Him along.
May the sparks of comradery draw you ever closer to the presence of God.