When the people of the land come before the LORD at the appointed festivals, whoever enters by the north gate to worship is to go out the south gate; and whoever enters by the south gate is to go out the north gate. No one is to return through the gate by which they entered, but each is to go out the opposite gate.
Ezekiel 46:9 (NIV)
Father God, the symbolism in this verse hits me so. I don’t walk out from Your presence the same way I walk in! Your presence is meant to transform me, to change me from the inside out. When I am with You I am changed! Oh, I long for that this morning!
It is with this great expectation that I come into Your presence this morning, carrying all of the weights and burdens of life, dealing with all that is on my proverbial plate. Unclear and uncertain how things will turn out, I bring them to You, knowing that You are the One Who causes all things to work out for my good and the good of those who love You. And I cast these cares at Your feet, not just because I want You to remedy them, but because I need my hands and my heart free that I might lift them up to You and worship You.
Thank You for seeing me, loving me, caring for me, filling me, guiding me, strengthening me, providing for me, changing me, and just being my EVERYTHING! Though this life deals me painful blows You are the Comforter of my soul. Though losses try to weigh me down You are the Lifter up of my head. Though I sometimes feel like giving up You are the Filler of my cup. You are my Shepherd! Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I am not afraid! Hallelujah! Glory to Your Name!
Thank You, Father, for granting me a glimmer of a new perspective on this day. You have indeed lifted up my head and encouraged my spirit. All things are indeed possible for me because I have You in my life. Thank You for not leaving me alone. Indeed, I don’t look to hills because I know where my help comes from: You! And my spirit is hearing Your Spirit telling me it is indeed well with my soul. Thank You, Father, for Jesus Who made it happen. Amen.