Cherishing the Sacred (Guest Post)

Those who excel at the art of sacred living know how to savor the romance of life, the beautiful joy and simplicity of knowing Him and walking in His presence. ~Leslie Ludy

Flicking off the lights, I breathed a sigh of relief. The long, busy day was finally over. Exhausted, I collapsed on to my bed. Bowing my head quickly, I started to pray. Dear God… I paused. Stunned, I realised that that was the first time I had talked to God all day. In fact, I’d skipped devotion that morning, too. And…did I even say a word to my brother the whole day? I couldn’t remember. A wave of bitter disappointment and regret washed over me. Had I allowed a whole day to be consumed with the “urgent” things, entirely crowding out the things that really mattered?

That night I was brought to a realization. My life was centered on pursuing short-term goals and temporary pleasures. While I was never short of things to do, I never felt peace and fulfillment. I was constantly on social networking sites and chatting with friends, yet instead of growing in my relationships, I felt emptiness inside. Though I professed to know Christ, our relationship was suffering through the lack of time I spent with Him. I had exchanged the eternal for the frenzy of the culture. Everything in my life had been reduced to something shallow and worldly.

Christ set us apart through His own blood so we could be His. God says in His Word that we are His holy temple, a sacred sanctuary of purity. I had profaned His temple with so many other things that fought for my attention. Gently, but firmly, He is taking me through a process of purging everything that stands in the way of intimacy with Him. Jesus is now the centre of my life, and I'm beginning to learn about the sacredness of life. Every moment is precious and an opportunity to worship Him. My inner life is valuable to the Lover of my soul, and He cherishes my heart.

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. – Psalm 16:11

I have sought my own pleasure because I believed the lie that Satan whispered to me. Jesus Christ is not enough. He can’t satisfy your deepest longings and dreams. But God has promised that there is fullness of joy in His presence and pleasures forevermore at His right hand. And I have tasted enough of this sweet satisfaction and indescribable joy to know that Jesus is enough for me forever.

I will awake each morning in joy
Ready and willing to place everything
On the alter before Him
With an expectant heart
I will look to my Lord for guidance and peace and strength
Throughout the day
I will love what He loves
And hate what He hates
I will fall asleep in His arms
Listening to the gentle, loving song
He sings over me.

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Annie is an Australian girl who writes at Forever Love and Scream the Truth E-Zine. Her name means "grace and favour", and her identity is the daughter of the King of kings, the forever beloved of my Heavenly Bridegroom Jesus Christ. She finds unfathomable joy, peace and fulfilment in His presence daily. She is passionate about His truth, and the grace heals and transforms her life. Her prayer is that her life may be a testimony of Him for His glory.