Girlfriends in God - Apr. 6, 2007
April 6, 2007
Because
Today’s Truth
“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.” Psalm 63:2-3
Friend to Friend
So – I’m at the airport. I totally mismanaged my schedule 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, sweet moment with God. I worshipped in my heart as I reflected on His goodness. I remember sensing His presence and His pleasure deep within as I considered a few of the reasons that I love our Lord. In the chaos and hub-bub 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 arrived at the Philadelphia airport before the sun embraced the day. As I sipped my piping hot coffee, my mind wandered to that classic poem written by the respected poet of the Victorian era, Elizabeth Barrett Browning: “How Do I Love Thee, Let Me Count the Ways”. It seemed the perfect backdrop for my worship that morning and out of that sweet moment was birthed the lyric for a song that I recorded later that year.
By.Gwen Smith
Another flight delayed, sitting here I think of You
Sipping on a dark “Seattle’s Best”
As the sun is rising, I pause to give You praise
A solitary moment in a blur of busy days
Where should I begin? There’s so much I could say
Why do I love you? Let me count the ways
Because You chased me
And then You caught me
Because You cherish me
Because You bought me
You change me deeply
You set my heart free
Because I’m never satisfied
Without Your presence right here by my side
People all around rushing by, just passing through
Carrying the baggage we all own
Desperate for true love, richer life and perfect peace
A chance for satisfaction with a prayer of belief
In Your presence, there is serenity
Father of mercy, I love you endlessly
Hear my heart in this noisy sanctuary as I sit here all alone
You are worthy of a song that’s never ending
I will sing until I’m safely home, safely home
Lord I love You, Oh I love You
©2005 Audio 31 Music / Sunday Best Music / ASCAP
Have you really savored your 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.
All right…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.
Let’s pray
Heavenly Father, There are so many reasons why I love you! You chased me and caught me – cherish me and bought me. 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.
Now it’s your turn
Write a love note to God – list at least 10 reasons why you love Him
Read Psalm 63 and then pray for God’s presence, provision and protection in your life
Write a “love note” to someone special in your life – someone you feel led to bless. Pray that God would lead you share just the right words.
More from the Girls
Hey GiGs! Just wanted to let each of you know that Sharon, Mary and I really love pouring into your lives from the Word of God. I am blessed and honored to be doing life with you! Thanks for inviting us into your inbox each day!! With sincere love, Gwen
Check out the song to Gwen’s lyric that is referred to in today’s devotion on her “BECAUSE CD.”
Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, NC 28106
