Counting the Ways of Christ's Love

"I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you"
Psalms 63:2-3

So... I'm at the airport. I totally mismanaged time this morning, and missed my flight. Thankfully, I gave myself some wiggle room for travel and will still get to my conference in plenty of time. The consequences of my tardiness seemed harsh at first… six hours of sitting still. Now, as I'm an hour into the sitting, I am strangely grateful for this time. I suddenly have grace space in my day.

In this time of reflection, I'm reminded of a day in an airport a few years back, when I experienced a memorable God-moment after my flight had been cancelled. The extra time became the opportunity for me to have extended personal worship. I reflected on God's goodness as He bragged on Himself with a glorious sunrise. I remember sensing His presence and His pleasure deep inside as I considered a few of the reasons that I loved our LORD. In the chaos of the terminal, I felt a peace and serenity that was profound. Have you ever had one of those sweet moments?

On that warm June morning I had gotten to the Philadelphia airport crazy-early. I sipped piping hot coffee as my mind wandered to that classic poem "How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways," written by the talented poet of the Victorian era, Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Her poem seemed the perfect backdrop for my worship that morning. Out of this sweet moment was birthed the lyric for a song, Because, that I recorded later that year. 

Listen to Gwen's song "Because" on her Facebook page

Have you really savored our Savior lately? Have you paused to adore Him today? What about yesterday? This week? In the midst of marriage, mothering and ministry, I constantly struggle with freeing up time to ‘just sit' with God and worship… to behold Him in His sanctuary… yet, this is what God desires most. So today, I praise Him for my missed flight. What in your life do you praise Him for today? Think on that. Make a list!

I'm off to journal and pray now, but before I go, let's pray together and tell God some of the reasons we love Him.

Heavenly Father, there are so many reasons why I love you! You chased me and caught me. You cherish me and bought me with the blood of your Son, Jesus. Please forgive me for the times when the busyness of life crowds out my time to adore You. Hear my heart today as it tenderly and sincerely whispers, "I love You!"
In the powerful, saving name of Jesus,
Amen.

• Write a love note to God. List at least 10 reasons why you love Him.
• Read Psalms 63 and then pray for God's presence, provision and protection in your life.
• Write a "love note" to someone special in your life that you feel led to bless. Pray that God would lead you in this.

Gwen Smith is a gifted speaker, worship leader, songwriter, and author. With a passion to see others experience a deeper relationship with God, this self-professed "girl's girl" travels the country ministering to women. Through her powerful testimony, disarming humor, Scripture teaching, and Christ-centered music, Gwen invites each individual to experience how the unconditional love of Jesus can change her life. She is the cofounder and worship leader of Girlfriends in God, a conference and devotional ministry, and is a contributing writer for the Girlfriends in God daily e-devotions available through Crosswalk.com. 
Love to Worship? The song that was featured in today's devotion is on Gwen's CD, Because. Order the CD from Gwen's website (www.GwenSmith.net/store) or download it from iTunes.
Got Facebook? Gwen loves her Facebook friends! Stop by Gwen's page at www.Facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic. While you're there, leave a message on her wall - listen to a few songs - share the page with your FB friends! (She interacts with and prays for her page friends regularly!)

Publication date: September 29, 2010