Written By: Vicki Johnson
Hugs can be the most wonderfully awkward things. They break through the invisible barrier we call “personal space” and can magically make friends of perfect strangers.
Or not.
To encircle someone in my embrace I must feel comfortable with them. I should have a connection that creates an open door for this very close, physical sharing of space. Sometimes extreme happiness or sadness can knock down the unseen wall, but usually I keep a guarded distance from those I don’t know very well.
But, when I see a friend I haven’t seen for years, there is hug exchanged that would squeeze the stuffin’ right out of ya’!
Embracing the Lord’s Presence is much the same. His name is Emmanuel – God with us. His Spirit dwells within my heart and I embrace him. As I do I allow Him to occupy my being in a way no one else can.
He is here.
Right now.
In me.
Embracing God means I will accept, welcome, adopt and support the One who did the same for me first, and receive His instruction as He shows me how. “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:11-12 NASB)
But, if I carry the Spirit of God within me, I must incorporate Him into every aspect of my life. I may be eager to accept the Lord into what I consider the good or presentable areas of my life, but what happens when He points out sin? Sin separates me from His presence, and I don’t want that. Being aware of sin in my life and quickly confessing (agreeing with God about my sin) and repenting (turning away from my sin and turning to God) are necessary to keep a healthy and huggable relationship with Him. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NASB)
God’s embrace doesn’t let you go. “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. 9 If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, 10 Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me.” (Psalm 139:7-10 NASB)
As each day dawns throw your arms wide open and say, “Good morning, Lord! Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being with me through this day, come what may. I know I don’t go it alone.” Hold Him close to your heart and mind. Embrace the Lord with every fiber of your being.
Vicki Johnson creates a lot of drama in southeastern Pennsylvania where she lives with her pastor hubby, David, and her daughter, Esther. She has written a Bible study entitled, “Following Christ – A Disciple’s Walk of Faith,” enjoys speaking, singing, working at 1075Alive/WBYNFM as a part time announcer, writing her blog at: http://gracefilledgirl.com/index.html , and generally encouraging fellow Christians to walk in a way that pleases God. Her sign-off on the radio comes from 1 Thessalonians 5:24, “Faithful is He who calls you and He will bring it to pass.”
Uniquely Yours Ministries 