Presence

Presence           

I need to realize, know, accept, and allow God’s to be the center of my life.  I need to realize, know, accept and rejoice in God’s love for me (Rom. 8:38-39).

            When I am lonely, wanting the companionship of another, God is present and loving me.

            When I am angry that my neighbor’s dog barks and barks and barks, God is present and loving me, my neighbor, and her dog.

            When I am afraid because I’ve misplaced my credit card, God is present, loving and guiding me.

            God never leaves me.  The Creator is always with me, within me (Gal. 2:20).

            The comprehension/understanding of this truth is difficult, for I consist of flesh, blood and bones.  I exist in a world of rational, thinking humans, and it’s hard to understand a Spirit without flesh, blood and bones, who is constantly present, who I can’t see or hear, who loves me, and cares for me.  I doubt I ever will fully understand.  It is a mystery to accept--the Lover of my Soul is always present.

            And in those times of loneliness, anger, fear sorrow. . ., this Lover is the One who can comfort and calm me.  Food cannot do that.

            So may I “Be still and know (Pslm. 46:10)” that God is present—always.

                                                                                                                                    Sharon Witty

                                                                                                                                    June 18,2020

           

Satisfy my Soul

Last time Sharon talked about “Shelter in the Storm” and how many of us reach for food to comfort us in stressful situations as COVID-19. I have to admit I am one of those who has the 10 lb. gain to prove I’ve been through the pandemic.

My problem has been cooking for family. I love to bake and please my family with their favorite foods and then enjoy the goodies with them. That’s the problem. Mostly I’ve made sweets, but I’ve also made comfort food like Tater Tot casserole and meatloaf. I’ve been seeking comfort in all the wrong places.

After my confession I must share that it is time to work on repairing the damage I’ve done. My husband and I walk an hour every day and I’ve started serving salads for lunch with a less bountiful dinner in the evening.

Sharon was right to direct us to scripture for true comfort.

“I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you,” (Psalm 63:4, 5 NIV).

“My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods.” Perhaps I can read and reread this scripture and let it sink in to my depths so I can be changed in my mind and in my eating patterns. 

Help me, God, to eat in moderation and be satisfied.

Gloria D. Stewart