Don't Leave Me

Today's Gospel lesson was from Luke 24:13-35. (The Lord appears to two men on the Emmaus road after His Resurrection). When they got to their home, Jesus was ready to leave, but they said "Stay with us." (v. 29)


Isn't that the prayer of our hearts too?


Sometimes we run around very anxious and frantic, and when we find peace, rest, and relaxation in God's Word, it's hard to leave.


A lot of people complain when worship runs over an hour- but lately, I've longed for it to be longer. I've longed to be with God as long as possible- I don't want Him to leave.


And sometimes, when I have my Bible open, and I'm lost in the Word, I don't want to shut it. There is an overwhelming sense of peace that stills my troubled soul. And I don't want it to leave.


It's almost comparable to the feeling of being in bed in the morning- when you're tucked in so nicely underneath the comforting warmth of lots of blankets. And then the blasted alarm reminds you that you must leave your bed. And it's so hard to remove yourself from the security and warmth of the covers that surround you. It's so hard to step into the cold air. 


And that's the difficulty I have with worship/being in the Word/Prayer- it's so comforting and so safe. And I say to Jesus, "Don't go! Stay with me!"


And like He stayed with the Disciples that night, He stays with me. And you. And He's not going anywhere. I find comfort and security knowing Jesus is right with me. He walks with us, talks with us, and feels all of our pains. And through that, He brings the reassurance of His resurrection. 


Based on recent experiences, I know the pain and difficulty of abandonment and rejection. The pain and the sting sticks around (it still is). And it's so great to know that God will NEVER ever do that to me. There may be faithless friends who walk this earth seeking to harm me, but God does not do that to His people. That's security. 


The text of this hymn came to mind..
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide.
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee, 
Help of the helpless O abide with me.

I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless; 

ills have no weight, and tears not bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory? 
I triumph still, if thou abide with me. 

Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes; 
shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. 
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee; 
in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Yes, Lord. Abide with me. Stay with me. Overwhelm me with your peace.

Blessings:

-Successfully moved out of one room and into another (phew!)

-Worship this morning and receiving Communion

-Singing This Joyful Eastertide

-Thanking all of the "mothers" in my life on Mother's Day- my mother, grandmother, and the women who are like mothers to me. God has blessed me.

-"Dylan, you are the kindest person I know."

-Pizza for lunch with a good buddy of mine

-Finding breakfast for myself for the week (Not so healthy... Fruit is expensive! Jeesh!)

-Playing organ for about 90 minutes

-Wal-Mart run 

-New friends

-Sitting in the dark on the grass and chatting with new friends

-All that, and God stayed with me. And isn't going anywhere.