When does the reality of God’s presence encourage you?

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.

Psalms 46:1-2 NLT

I would have to say that God’s presence encourages me all the time, but especially when I do not expect it. A couple of weeks ago I have having a difficult morning. I turned on the radio as I was driving to church to do our service on Facebook Live and heard a song. That song was “Breathe” by Johnny Diaz. The verses talk about how we race from one thing to another, but it is the chorus that God used to bring me peace (full video at end):

Breathe, just breathe

Come and rest at My feet

And be, just be

Chaos calls but all you really need

Is to just breathe

© 2015 Centricity Music Publishing (ASCAP) / So Essential Tunes & Not Just Another Song (SESAC) / Wordspring Music, LLC & Tony Wood Songs (SESAC)

Even when life is chaotic beyond what we think we can deal with, God is there. He is there to bring us peace. He is there to bring us hope. And He will do it in ways you cannot even imagine. God brings encouragement in so many ways.

Today as Diane and I were relaxing with a cup of coffee and enjoying the breeze coming through the windows she heard a dog bark. Then she heard the birds singing. Their song was beautiful and comforting. God was serenading us with His creation. A little later Diane showed me a video on Facebook of people driving parade style in front of someone’s home. She remarked that this would not have happened before this horrible virus got us all quarantined at home. People are taking time for other people. People are loving on other people.

This is a reminder of how God is encouraging us through others. This is God showing us how to reimagine church. This is God showing us how to be the church. This is what God is calling Grace Street Church to do.

Consider joining us tomorrow morning as we talk more about this in our Easter Challenge Sermon series. Click the link on our website, www.GraceStreet.Church and listen live at 11 AM.