I watched the faint blip of light hop through the night sky. It was barely noticeable set against the clear, brilliant backdrop of the crisp January evening. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t have noticed it during my walk; ordinarily I’m not looking up.
But two nights ago, I did – look up. Some nights require it.
Accordingly, I took to my back-porch stoop and quieted my heart before God.
Look up, child.
After an agonizing couple of days of looking around, I was more than willing to look up.
It was then that I saw it – a dim light passing through the heavenlies. I spoke my heart out loud with a chuckle:
“Probably not a plane; probably just another drone gathering information on me.”
No sooner had the words left my mouth when God let a few of his own words leak into my heart:
“Me too, Elaine. I’m out here gathering information … on you.”
Tears began to flow, and I was deeply comforted by that singular thought.
God is gathering information on me; my God is an evening-gathering God.
I don’t know what it is about the darkening of night that seems to reveal more clearly the whispers of the Father. Perhaps the slowing down of a hard day’s laboring better hosts his inclinations. Our days are mostly cluttered, overstuffed with noise. But when the sun steps off the daily stage, the hours open up a bit more. And in that widening space, our souls begin to breathe … begin to look up and behold the heart of the Father.
Two thousand years ago, Jesus took an afternoon walk with two strangers. As the sun began its descent, the strangers made a simple invitation to Jesus:
“… they urged him strongly, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them.” (Luke 24:29)
And in those evening hours, Jesus did something that Jesus does willingly for all those who urge him to stay –
He revealed himself to them while breaking bread with them.
He wrapped up their hard day’s laboring with a soul-breathing, life-giving revelation of just how far he was willing to walk on behalf of kingdom expansion.
Jesus was willing to walk to their table. And two nights ago, he was willing to walk to my back-porch stoop and break bread with me as well.
What a moment of tender grace … to look up and then to look in and sense the assurance of my Father. The lights above me were no match for the Light within me. God was there, gathering information on me. Checking on me. Surveying my heart and allowing me to survey his.
It is the same for you.
Jesus sees you; he loves you; he’s with you. Even now, he’s gathering information on you.
Jesus wants to know how you’re doing. He has some tender moments of grace and time reserved just for you. This is your privilege as children of the one true God.
No other god sees you; no other god loves you. No other god is gathering information on you because no other god is real.
Only Jesus. Simply and profoundly, holy Jesus.
So tonight … look up, child.
Give your soul some room to breathe in these coming hours.
For it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.
Let us strongly urge the Christ to linger around our tables for a few moments longer.
Revelations await our hungering souls.
Revelation comes to lead us home.
Peace for the journey,
Oh my, Elaine! how wonderful! Thank you. Thank you.
On the road with you, sister. I’m glad you are here in this holy huddle. We need one another. I pray you catch a few moments of evening peace with Jesus this week.
Thank you my friend. Beautiful words to a deep feeling with in that spells to my quiet surroundings and a peaceful heart….”He knows me and I am with you”. Love you.
Love you back.
Thankful for this assurance!
It’s so good when those moments of clarity arrive…
So tender but so very powerful! I couldn’t help but think of another lady, a very distressed one at that, who sat with a downward cast until He, Beer Lahai Roi, spoke words of encouragement to her. Had she been a blogger in her day, I think she may have penned a similar, as hopeful a piece as you have here.
“She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.’ That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered.” ~ Genesis 16:12-14
Kathleen ~
I love Hagar! Thank you for this reminder of El Roí!! He does see us and He knows us intimately!
Joy to you~
s~
I don’t imagine I have heard a more beautiful affirmation in this season. Thank you.
Beautiful!!!
Thank you, friend.
This ministered to my soul today. What a terrible, wonderful time in which we live. I am so glad that I understand (as much as a human can)that God is sovereign and He is not wringing His Holy Hands over the state of things on earth. Thank you, Elaine.
Terrible – wonderful, yes. I am reminded of the scene in Narnia when winter begins to melt and someone comments (I think Mr. Beaver) that “Aslan is on the move.”
Indeed.
Amen and thank you for sharing the simple and yet profound truth that God collects info on us. He loves us and will walk with us through these days.
It feels weighty and wonderful to sit under his gaze.
Oh yes, Elaine! The heart of the Father is FOR us! Just this morning in my prayer closet these words penned on paper were waiting to be remembered and discovered … which said, ” I AM HIS AND HE IS MINE.”
Your posts are like soaking in a bath of bubbles with candles and Worship music pointing us always to the One who loves us beyond measure!! Thank you, dear Sister, for sharing that precious moment with us!
Choosing Joy~
Stephanie
Psalm 126
I love a bubble bath… every single day. And now, the gift of your words. Thank you.
I love how you frequently look up and behold the heart of your Father, Elaine. Praise God he not only sees us, he ACTS on our behalf. Before we even call, he’s already answering (Isaiah 65:24). We may not see evidence of the answer yet, but it’s on the way!
I like the idea of knowing that he was waiting on me all the time. He knew I would come. What a good, good Father.
Love this, thank you Elaine!