Sunday, June 14, 2015

"All I want Is You"

"In his book, All I Want Is You, Bishop Sandy Millar describes attending a conference in California some years ago at which he saw the Spirit of God working in powerful ways. When it was over, he went for a long walk along the coast. He writes, ‘As I was walking I was caught up with the excitement of all that lay ahead and the thrill of the Spirit of God. I was saying, “Lord, I will give you anything you want … I will do anything you want me to do.”

… And I confess I was rather immodestly listing one or two of the things I thought he might want me to do – to contribute to the kingdom of God. It wasn’t a very long list for obvious reasons. I can honestly claim to have only heard the Lord speak about three times in this way, but as clearly as I have ever heard him speak, he said, “All I want is you.” 

I found that really hard to take. Because I can cope with people who are cross with me, offended or upset. What’s much harder is to see this love from Jesus, and yet we let him down again and again. And all he wants is us – all of us. It was the most humbling thing … He can do anything he likes. But all he wants is you.’  

Psalm 61:1-8

Be led by God

Do you ever find yourself overwhelmed by all the issues you face in life? David was ‘overwhelmed and fainting’ (v.2, AMP).

He was a leader (‘the King’ (v.6)). Those who lead others need themselves to be led by God. This prayer is applicable to us all. He cried out to God to listen to his prayer and to lead him (vv.1–2).

Above all, this prayer is a prayer for protection. There are times when we want to run and hide. God provides us with ‘a place to get away from it all’ (v.3, MSG). He is a ‘safe-house’ (v.4, MSG). He provides us with ‘physical protection of rock-like strength’ (v.2), the emotional protection of ‘his arms around us’ (v.4), and the spiritual protection of ‘love and faithfulness’ (v.7).

Thank you, Lord, that in your presence I experience your love and faithfulness. Lead me into your presence today, and lead me in all the decisions I make, the conversations I have and the words that I speak."

1. I cry my heart out to You, Lord, that by Your Grace, help me to come running to You from it all. Thank You for the safe-house.

2. Thank You for Your energy and protection as I roamed around to find a new home.

3. Thank You for Your Word today about our own quiet time. Priorities. Devotion.

4. Praise God for being able to see and spend quality time with an old friend.