The older folks in church used to use a certain word to describe spending time in God's presence. If there was a time of prayer around the altar, especially on a Sunday night or during a camp service, it was said that people were "tarrying".
To tarry means to "stay longer than intended" or to "delay leaving a place". What an appropriate word to describe waiting in God's presence.
Have you ever tarried? Have you had the opportunity to set everything else aside and delay leaving a time of prayer or worship? Have you had the chance to do that lately?
The writer(s) of Psalm 42 seemed to be describing what it's like to have experienced God's presence and know how soul-filling it is, that when you're in His presence, it's like quenching a desperate thirst.
"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?" (Psalm 42:1-2)
I wonder if we overestimate our own power and underestimate the effectiveness of being filled freshly with the Holy Spirit, of tarrying in His presence so that our souls can be refreshed and we can fully access all that we need for life and godliness as we get to know the Lord more intimately? (see 2 Peter 1:3)
I'll be the first to admit that there seem to always be pressures on our limited time and energy. But still, I can't say more emphatically how the choice to find a quiet place with Him will always be the best thing and the most valuable time you can spend.
To that end, I'd like to invite you to Deep Roots on Sunday night. It's a quiet time of worship followed by a directed time of prayer. It looks a little different each month as we gather, but it always has the same effect - time set apart to simply be in the presence of God. We start at 6:30 and would love to have you join us for an hour or so.
Often on Sunday evenings (especially as it gets colder and darker!) it can be hard to think about driving back to the church for this time. But in all the years we've been doing Deep Roots, I have never left and wished I'd spent the hour in any other way. Not once.
Whether it's Deep Roots or some other time that you are able to get alone and spend time with the Lord, receive today's email as a reminder that when you come near to God, He will come near to you. (James 4:8) It's worth tarrying.
See you on Sunday,
Pastor Tracy
THIS SUNDAY
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12 @ 10am
THE PRESENCE OF GOD
Even More Undignified
Erin Jamieson
Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!
10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+Church Online)