Just Another Sunday
A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. Daniel 10:10 (NIV)
Oh, how our minds wander! There are some mornings, I can’t seem to keep my focus during my quiet, prayer time. It’s the last-minute details to ready myself for the day. It’s the bill I forgot to pay. It’s that crazy kitten, Carrots, cavorting about or playing in his litter box. This is an area where I truly struggle. How about you? Pat Butler Dyson (Mornings with Jesus) had an experience to remind her of His Presence in those precious moments.
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It was just another Sunday. My husband, Jeff, and I drank our coffee, read our devotions, and got dressed for services. Early on, my attention strayed from the Sunday school lesson. Had I unplugged the coffeepot? Before I knew it, class was over and, and Jeff and I moved to the sanctuary.
There my random thoughts turned to worry. Would my daughter find a doctor for her son’s headaches? I rose automatically to sing the first song, projected on a large screen above the stage. When I did, it felt as if someone had placed hands on my shoulders and was pressing inward. I glanced at Jeff, but his hands were by his sides. After I sat down, I still perceived the steady, gentle pressure of hands holding my shoulders.
All my life, I’ve prayed to have Jesus touch me. In times of grief, I’ve cried out to Him, yearning for a personal reminder of His Presence. It had never happened, but I knew as surely as I was sitting there, the hands holding my shoulders belonged to Jesus. Why now? I felt Him whisper, Pay attention, Pat. This is the life I gave you. Don’t miss an instant because of worry and distraction.
As I sang the last song, I felt myself relax. My worries dissolved while Jesus held my shoulders. I have never felt so secure, so loved. I prayed the feeling would continue, but by the time we left church it was gone.
That sensation has never returned, but I have no doubt Jesus still holds me. Just another Sunday? Absolutely not!
FAITH STEP: Pray and ask Jesus to touch you in a meaningful way today.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your touches that remind us of Your Presence. Help us to be more aware of You and to slow down long enough to feel Your Hand on our lives. AMEN.