“At the Well”  Fermo, Italy

“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn. Indeed, our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel.”

Psalm 89:15-17

I am starting this study today with this picture taken during our sabbatical while in Italy. This picture at the well symbolizes something the Lord spoke to me during our season of rest, regarding my time in His presence. In the most simplistic of terms it is this, “How can you ever expect to draw from my well if you don’t come near enough to lower your bucket into the source that is reserved for you?” Oversimplified? Maybe, but more than that it is simply true. God’s never ending resource, His very presence so near to me all the time, yet I miss the depth of it when I run parallel instead of intersecting the very promise of His presence. His presence calls me to BE present.

There are four areas of His presence that call a response from me:

1. His Presence is a Promise:

• “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
  

2. His Presence is Purifying:

• “When I kept silent (about his sin) my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord” — and you forgave the guilt of my sin” Psalms 32:3-5

3. His Presence Protects:

• “You hem me in behind and before,  and you lay your hand upon me.” Psalm 139:5

4. His Presence fills us with Peace and Joy:

• “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalms 16:11

As you work through the worksheet that is attached, you will find ways to explore these truths for yourself. My prayer is that you will encounter God at the well of His word, and that each of us will be women at the well drawn into His presence.

handout 9_16_2013

In the Word with You,

Cheryl J