Choose With
“She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel which means God is with us,” — Isaiah 7:14
How many moments of your life today can you fill with a conscious awareness of and surrender to God’s presence?
We can go through every minute of the day with God or without Him. We can continue being stressed, pressured, angry, impatient, and irritating to those around us. Or we can choose to be grateful we were given life – joyful that we have work to do, people to love and serve, and that our Creator calls us to partner in Kingdom work.
As one man said, “Yes, God. I want to do life with you. My soul needs you more than it needs my frustration and impatience.”
I confess that all too often I have not chosen the “with God” life but have simply run around doing my own thing, with the occasional arrow prayer shot up to the heavens out of need. How much richer it would be to intentionally acknowledge Him beside me each step of the way. Breathing deeply and invoking the peace He grants; praying softly as unexpected news arrives; summoning strength and courage through a recitation of scriptural promise. Each act an offering up—confirming not only is Christ with me, but I have also chosen to be with Him.
The incarnation of Jesus was God’s way of bringing us together. To abide. He didn’t just yell down from on high, cheering us on life’s journey. He came down. So that we would never be alone.
God with us. That is what separates Christianity from every other religion. What other deity would stoop to enter our world?
Are you living “with God” every moment of every day?
Each day gifts us with 86,400 seconds. Why not try to intentionally live each of these moments with God? Just begin. Invite God in as you awaken and thank Him for His presence as you lay your head on the pillow.
And in-between, try to see others with the eyes of God. When you approach the cashier at the coffee bar, behave as though both you and Jesus-beside-you were placing an order. How would He do it? What might He say?
How will the word “with” change your own perspective of journeying through life, especially during this Advent season?
Lord, this is indeed one of the great mysteries of life—that You would humble Yourself and become one of us. But because You did, I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that You are constantly with me. May I always, always choose to walk with You. Amen.
May the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the friendship of the Holy Spirit bring you comfort and strength, Lucinda
“Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity and Strength”
©2021 Lucinda Secrest McDowell www.LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
Lucinda Secrest McDowell is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” She has authored 15 books including “Soul Strong – 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life” and “Life-Giving Choices – 60 Days to What Matters Most.” She writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and shares encouraging words at LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
Want to read all of the “One Daily Choice” Blogs? Click HERE to read as each one goes live. These 12 weeks of blogs — adapted from Lucinda’s award-winning book “Life-Giving Choices” — come out each Wednesday morning through December 22. Thanks for reading. Click HERE to add your email to get blogs weekly in your in box.
Thank you for this, Cindy. Isaiah 7:14 is my key verse for this week. I’m presenting the life of Jesus’ mother tonight and Saturday and as always, it’s not in me to do this. I am not adequate, but he is.
Oh lucinda, your words to remind me today to rest in Jesus is SOOO important to me. My mom turns 86 today. She loves Jesus has been in icu for 5 days. Not doing better, she wants to see Jesus. Today I will be letting her go. Letting them take her off life support. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving, but she wants to be with Jesus. Thank you again, GOD bless you and your family, sharon banta
I love listening to how the Holy Spirit speaks through you to my heart! As I literally prayed with my daughter this morning concerning her anxious heart, I sensed the LORD reminder her that HE is very near to the broken hearted. But the anxious heart creates distance in His fellowship. I will for sure share this quote with her. “Yes, God. I want to do life with you. My soul needs you more than it needs my frustration and impatience.” <3
Beautiful, Cindy! Thank you so much. Truly, abiding and awareness make all the difference. Of all seasons, Christmas and Easter most tell us: God with us! What a thrill that He wants to be “with us” and assures us, “I am here with you.” Have a blessed Christmas!
Thank you, Cindy.
Thanks Cindy! I love your insights and the reminder that HE’s a “with you God.”
hugs, susan yates