September 10, 2007

Do you ever feel spiritually naked? What?
Sometimes I do. Sometimes I don’t feel God and at some point, after a period of time, I feel vulnerable–but let’s call it naked, because that’s what it feels like.
I could talk about all the things that lead us to that chilly place–busyness, the 100th game of Spider Solitaire or the 2,500th text message, being unsure of the next step, being frustrated by people you love, sin. . . but it’s not the list that’s important.
I’ll just tell you that I know where to go when I feel that way.
In Romans, Jesus promises us he will “clothe us with his presence”.
I love that promise.
Tonight I sat and read my new Bible. It’s fresh and there are a thousand verses waiting to be underlined and circled as I read and absorb the life-changing scripture inside.
But if I’m honest, I was restless. I wanted to read a few chapters, pray, and then do whatever else to fill the time–watch TV, pack, surf the ‘net.
But I was spiritually naked, so I pushed that aside. I needed to be clothed. And where does that come from? His presence.
I felt a familiar nudge inside asking me to just wait. I read, slowing down to really hear what Paul was saying to the church in Rome, and God’s word began to speak to me. Bits and pieces. Truth. Encouragement. And I started underlining as scripture came to life and clothed me once again.
Clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 13:14
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9













Debbie says:
This is a powerful devotional, Suzie!
Debbie