Craving His Presence

 The office was a busy and noisy place yesterday. People in and out. Multiple conversations. The custodial staff busy at work sprucing up the place. Everywhere I tried to escape to find some secluded solace with God eluded me. There was activity in all our facilities. I craved to be in the presence in God. I've learned sometimes you have to forsake the company of people to keep company with God. 

I finally found a quiet spot in our prayer room. I yearned for God more than food. I craved Him. It was a busy night preceding yesterday. Yesterday started early in the morning with a hospital visit interrupting my normal morning routine. By the time I got back to town and in the office, I craved time alone with my Father. Only I found our office space like Grand Central Station. 

In that prayer room, I found what I craved so longingly. Solitude. Silence. I sat before the Lord pouring out my heart and listening. I lost track of time before Him. Before I was even aware an hour passed. It felt like a much shorter time. God saturated my soul with renewed passion and strength. He granted me peace in my mind. He slowed me down to enjoy Him and not rush through a meaningless devotion done out of duty rather than delight. 

I craved His presence again today. I got to the office before anyone else. I went to my prayer closet where I feasted on the presence of God. He satisfied my deepest cravings. I came with no agenda other than seeking Him. Not merely seeking what He could do for me. It was Him my heart yearned for in those quiet pre-dawn hours. Time to sit and soak in Him like a person might sit outside and soak in the sun. 

I find the more I crave God the more He satisfies the deepest places and desires of my soul. Truly in His presence is fullness of joy. [Ps 16:11] The more I crave Him the more I seek Him. The more I seek Him the more I crave Him. It is the highlight of my everyday. Time along with God in the secret place is most precious time. A high priority. Other things might go neglected on busy days. I dare not rush through prayer time or neglect it all together. I need this time. I need God. Therefore, I keep craving His presence. Nothing else can substitute. Nothing else satisfies the soul like He does.