God Enjoys Being with You

Welcome and thank you for joining us at our daily bread ministries for this evening's

meditative podcast.

Tonight we're reflecting on God's desire to dwell with us.

As we begin, calm your heart by taking some deep breaths. Try to get as comfortable as possible.

Put to one side the events of today as you ease out the tension in your body.

Come now as you are to hear the word of the Lord.

This is the place to be still before God, allowing him to fill you with his awesome presence and infinite love.

Heavenly Father, as your child I humbly yet confidently come before you.

Thank you that I can rest under the shelter of your wings here in the secret place of your presence.

I praise you and I worship you tonight, Lord.

Genesis chapter 3 verse 8 says,

Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the

cool of the day. What must it be like to hear the God of the universe walking around on the earth?

It is stated so casually in the opening chapters of Genesis that we must assume it was a regular

thing for God to do. The Garden of Eden wasn't just a lush paradise. It was a place where God could

freely dwell among the people he created. They were aware of his presence with them and here's

the truly amazing thing. It wasn't their idea to bring him there. God drew close to the people

because he wanted to. He wanted to be with them. He didn't need to. He wasn't lonely but he

genuinely enjoyed the company of his creation. Have you ever paused to consider how much God enjoys

being with you, walking with you through the events of your day and listening as you talk to him about

things? You are God's special creation, made and has image and he enjoys being with you.

Come and enjoy being with your creator this evening. He loves it when you draw near.

As we turn to prayer, breathe deeply, working out any tension through long, slow exhales.

The presence of the Lord is a place of rest and peace. Do this breathing exercise to relax

your body, refocus your heart and become aware of the presence of our Almighty God,

who promises to hear every word on our lips and in our hearts.

Breathe in and out and in and out.

Let's pray. Thank you, Father, for walking through this life with me. You have promised that

hand in hand, we will walk home together into eternity.

Lord, please show me anything in my life that is hindering me from coming close to you and living

each day in the peace of your presence.

Thank you that it is your desire to draw near to me. This is my desire too.

The Samist says in Psalm 149 verses 1 and 4, praise the Lord, sing to the Lord a new song

his praise in the assembly of his faithful people for the Lord takes delight in his people.

Let's close with a final prayer.

Thank you for the reminder tonight that you delight in your people and me.

Forgive me for thinking I'm no one special when I am a unique creation you designed and made.

I am humbled and odd to think that you love being with me.

I love being with you too, Lord.

Help me to stay close throughout my day tomorrow. Amen.

Thank you for the reminder tonight that you delight in your people and me.

Thank you for the reminder tonight that you delight in your people and me.

Thank you for the reminder tonight that you delight in your people and me.

Thank you for the reminder tonight.

Thank you for the reminder tonight.

Thank you for the reminder tonight.

Thank you for the reminder tonight.

Thank you for the reminder tonight.

Thank you for the reminder tonight.

Thank you for the reminder tonight.