If you're not the kind to "feel" those moments, that does not mean something is wrong with you, or God isn't present, none of that is true. I would encourage a spirit of openness for you (we all need to pray for this often). The Lord does desire to show us His face, He wants to be know not only in our minds, but in our hearts and united to us in spirit. Close your eyes, think about the Lord, give your heart to Him and ask Him to open your heart; ask Him to show His face.
Meditate on the Holy Scripture! This is The Lord's Word! If we read and contemplate His words, He will be made known to us even more. We will begin to understand Him more than we do, we will hear Him more clearly, we will know Him better. His Word will be alive within us, and this will allow the Lord's voice to be heard in new ways. Ask the Lord to transform your heart and your mind, and be persistent! Keep asking, and listen.
My moment today occurred while reading books and laying on the couch with our daughter before she went in for a nap. When we made eye contact while laughing together, The Lord's presence pierced my heart with an indescribable love. I felt my eyes fill and my heart melt. I couldn't do anything but tell her I love her, and give her a huge hug. We continued to read, and I was distracted by recognizing that this was the presence of The Lord. I can only love so genuinely and so abundantly because He loved me first. I was, and still am, amazed.
It's through prayer, scriptural meditation, faithful fellowship and spiritual direction, time before the Blessed Sacrament, that my heart has become soft! My first true encounter with The Lord that I really remember was back in college, where I decided to give my life to Him because I was broken and truly tired/sick of the life I was living without my faith being the center. It's been several years on a journey developing my relationship and love with The Lord (as I have mentioned in prior blogs) and loving and understanding who I am as a beloved daughter of God. My husband and I faced a challenge at the beginning of our marriage that truly was a test of our faith. We both faced situations that broke our hearts. Two years later, by the grace of God! we are continuously seeking healing again for our own souls, and for our marriage. Things like this can occur throughout all phases of life, let look at them as if they are opportunities to bring glory to the Heavens, and purify our souls (because they are!).
For my husband and I, God never, ever, left us, in fact, I can honestly say, His presence has been more known to us than ever before. Personally, as a woman, I have become aware of spiritual attack that surrounds me, and through spiritual direction and healing prayers, Jesus continues to show me His face. He has brought me to The Father and continues to flood me with His Spirit. The Lord desires to make us whole. It's not always easy (usually not easy at all!) but it's worth the battle, the struggle, the sacrifice and pain, to surrender and humble ourselves before Him. At those vulnerable moments, The Lord rejoices and calls us into a deeper love with Him, so that ultimately, our newness and whole self may be the Light He needs to shine in this world.
This is when The Lord presence in the depths of our heart, can be felt at "those moments." When we receive the gentleness, the love, the peace and generosity of the Lord, we will better recognize His presence in those moments or events, and know that He is blessing us right at that moment. Lord, give us Your eyes and Your heart!!
During this Lenten journey, may the Lord bless us abundantly with His presence.
Lord God, thank You. Thank You for making Yourself known to me, Your daughter above all else. Thank You, Jesus, for showing me Your face, for holding me and embracing me, and for bringing me to the gates of Heaven to see a glimpse of Our Father's glory. Thank You for opening my heart and my mind to desire healing for Your glory, so that I may return to You and remain focused on the mission You bestowed upon my life. Jesus, thank You for loving me and for never leaving me. Father, I present to You all women who need deep healing of the heart, especially the women closest to me. Touch their hearts with a gentle spirit of courage, so they may come to their knees and return their hearts to You willingly without hesitation. O Lord, You are such a generous and loving God. Strengthen our guardian angels and surround us with Your holy angels and saints. Protect our hearts and fill us with Your loving presence so that we may witness to You all the days of our life.
In peace and grace,
Erin
