One Day With Him

 "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God." Revelation 21:3

    One of my Bible study guides recently asked: Are we genuinely looking forward to God dwelling with us? To what extent do we truly long for His Presence in our daily lives?

    I closed my eyes for a moment to imagine one day with Jesus. How would that be?

    To begin with, I'd wake up aware that He was still with me, having kept watch over me during the night. I'd slept like a baby without immoral dreams or anxious insomnia. Eagerly, I arose to fix us some coffee. Did I read my Bible as I usually did? No, there was no need! The Word had become flesh and made His dwelling right there with me, so we cupped our mugs, enjoying the warmth of the brew and the ease of conversation. It was as if we had known each other my whole life!

    Even when the conversation lulled, it was not awkward at all. As we sat there in the dining room, a small smile crinkled His warm brown eyes as He watched the sparrows at the feeder. Perhaps He was recalling with fondness the day He formed the dear winged creatures. Just then, our cat, Kiwi, sauntered into the room. It wasn't like him to approach visitors, but Jesus was no stranger to him. Tail up, he rubbed his face on His leg in happy greeting. Our Creator, in turn, reached down to stroke the silky fur.

    Sitting there, I espied my prayer journal nearby so I used the opportunity to talk to Him about each of my concerns. He encouraged me to pray without ceasing; it was my faith that mattered most to Him. He said He had often been asked why He was so silent, why didn't He answer our prayers? With a downcast glance, He folded His hands as if in deep thought and wondered about His children. After all, wouldn't they know that God, who did not spare his own Son but gave Him up for us all, wouldn't He also, along with Him, give us all things? All things! (Romans 8:32)

    I began to wonder if I needed to fix breakfast for the Bread of Heaven? Instead, I directed my hunger into a barrage of questions. What was life like in that ark for Noah and family? Cure my curiosity about the Nephilim, please. Is it true that the Angel of the Lord was you in the Old Testament? Why was Satan allowed to be the prince of this world? What did you do between the ages of twelve and thirty besides "grow in wisdom and stature?" How many hairs do I have upon my head?

    As He patiently satisfied my querries, I started to become possessive of His time, wanting Him all to myself, so I rose to close the drapes and turn off my phone. All I wanted to do was to drink freely from the spring of Living Water and gaze upon the beauty of the Lord. I never tired of praising His Name and thanking Him for all the times He delivered me from evil. Together, we remembered all the saints that have gone on before me, lovingly recalling their Christian service. I even fetched a photo album that we pondered side-by-side on the sofa.

    All too soon, I knew our unique day was drawing to a close. Taking my hands into His, He looked into my eyes and said, "I know your deeds, Rachel, your love and your faith." I stood a little taller until He continued.  "Nevertheless, I have this against you: You did not wish to share Me with anyone else today. How will others hear the Good News unless you tell them about Me?" 

    With a sob in my throat, I repented of this and vowed to boldly share my faith. What good is buried Treasure? He wrapped me in an embrace, holding me close to His heart before reminding me, "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)

"You are with me." Psalm 23:4 "I am with you." Isaiah 41:10