DeeperSample

Remain

We have a habit of hurrying on—even when it comes to deeply meaningful spiritual encounters.

A number of years ago the Lord began to ask me to linger in the place where He has met with me. As others are exiting, I thanked Him for what He has just revealed and remain gazing at Him a little longer. If the scriptures have been opened in a fresh way, and I need a little more time to assimilate the wisdom, I may remain in my seat, review, and apply. At other times I intentionally stay within the anointing of the Holy Spirit, still and quiet before Him—I am in too much awe. I have no words. I’m too overcome to be with other people. In those moments the Lord and I just sit quietly together. I let Him hold me.  

More recently I was in a time of deep prayer. As the prayer time seemed to be drawing to a close, and I moved to leave, He whispered, “Stay with Me.” For the first time, I realized how much His desire is for me. He deeply enjoys our fellowship. 

Does this mean that every time we meet with God we have to force an extension, staying on and on for no good reason? Not at all! We all have responsibilities and people who are depending on us. But I have to wonder how the Lord feels when He has been incredibly good, and we promptly dismiss Him. When we abruptly shake off His revelation and dash on with our day, is Jesus left alone in the place of encounter? Is He looking on as we hurry away? 

Choosing to linger within the joy of His manifest presence, hating to part from our quiet time, remaining in the room just a few moments longer even when others are leaving—these are expressions of deep gratitude to Jesus for who He is and what He has done.

Activate

· Practice noticing God in and around you: His voice, His movement, His presence, His kindnesses, His power, His revelation, His answers to your prayers.

· Next time He touches you, choose to remain engaged longer than you have in the past. Stay just past the furthest point you have connected with Him. Be the last one to leave the room because you are still gazing at Him, communing with Him, thanking Him, reverencing Him.

· In your personal time with Jesus, choose to stay past the strong pull of the to-do list. Sometimes the breakthrough in our love relationship with God is just beyond the comfortable and convenient.

What to do in the remaining

· Thank Him for who He is and what He has just revealed.

· Ask Him what is on His heart and pray it back to Him.

· Wait in holy awe without speaking.

· Gaze at Him.

·  Whisper “I love You,” one last time before leaving the place of encounter.