The Joy of His Presence

By Amy Layne Litzelman –

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.” Psalm 19:1-3

As I write this, birds are singing in a great chorus outside my office window. Sunshine is sliding down the hills and through the Aspen leaves, and the smell of dew is still in the air. So many reminders of the One I love.

fall scents for your home

About fifteen years ago, I began walking each day. What started as a young mom’s desire for a few minutes alone turned into a treasured routine. I hike most every morning, first thing, when the air is cool and the bugs are asleep. I cherish the time alone with the Holy Spirit – to listen, learn, see, and understand what would otherwise get lost in the busyness of the day.

As I walk I laugh with my Creator while watching birds chase each other around and through the trees. I marvel at the vast array of grasses and wildflowers. I catch a hint of His power when thunder roars on the horizon. And as rain bounces off my face, eventually giving way to a brilliant bow across the valley, I am reminded of His unending faithfulness through the storm.

Some mornings, as dozens of cars pass me on the way to work or play or appointments, I wonder if the people riding inside see the long shadows on the hillsides or the eagles flying overhead. Do they notice that the river is clearing and the Forget-me-nots are in bloom? Do they recognize the Spirit pulling them closer to the One who created all these? Do they see His wisdom and truth in His handiwork?

I wonder: Has modern society lost a measure of its spiritual awareness because we take so little time to walk? In not allowing ourselves time to slow down, to be close to the earth around us, have we become impervious to a God who chooses to reveal Himself through His creation?

I know that many who are reading these words live in cities, surrounded by concrete and steel. I lived in Manhattan, NY, for a year and a half during my college years. It was a very different world from my home in Wyoming. Still, every chance I could I walked the city streets, and I always returned to my apartment with my mind and heart full of new-found treasures.

One of my favorite memories is when I came out of a late-night prayer meeting in the Empire State Building. I stepped outside to an empty street and the low, mellow sound of a saxophone. Sitting all by himself, an older black gentleman filled the air with the most beautiful melodies for an audience of countless unseen angels.

As I explored Central Park or Greenwich Village, I never tired of the variety of faces and eyes and smiles; of tasting new foods and finding hidden park benches with elderly men playing chess. I heard languages from around the globe and saw cultures in mini-segments. So many celebrations of the fingerprints of God.

Although the mountains and vast open spaces were thousands of miles away, I quickly learned that the Holy Spirit could reveal enough about the Father in a patch of grass and a butterfly to fill my heart and mind for days!

Today, in the midst of life, I encourage you to take time out to walk. Park a few blocks away from your appointment. Explore a new part of town. Check out the bike path or nature trail. Let the Spirit refresh and strengthen you with the wisdom and beauty that surrounds you. Let the earth and sky reveal to you the invisible qualities of your Maker.

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice… You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” (Psalm 16:9;11)

 

As a passionate worshiper, Amy Layne Litzelman writes, sings, and teaches biblical truths from a clean, simple, yet profound perspective. Her unyielding focus is to know her Creator intimately – His voice, His movements, His character – and to help others do the same.  She has traveled across the United States and to the Philippines and China to lead worship and share the unrivaled Treasure she has found. Amy released her first book, This Beloved Road: A Journey of Revelation and Worship, in 2011 and has composed over 70 songs and recorded four CDs. She and her husband, Matt, have two adult sons and live in Jackson Hole, WY.” Her website:  http://www.AmyLayneLitzelman.com.

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The Joy of His Presence
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