Special Times With God

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

Some of the most intimate times I have ever experienced with the Lord have been when I have been out on my daily runs. I often go early when there is little going on outside and the quietness, the ability to sing to the Lord more uninhibitedly, and the time to pray help create special times and special atmospheres. I have often heard the Lord speak very significant things to my heart that I couldn’t wait to write down the second I got home. As a matter of fact, it was through one of these experiences that I started writing Fresh Manna over ten years ago.

But eventually, writing Fresh Manna began to take two hours of my day and I couldn’t squeeze the running and writing in and I let the running go. It seemed that impacting other people’s lives over just my own seemed more important.

I have felt this growing desire to run and train for a marathon again and so I recently started training. Because of my long time off from running, it’s much more work and not all the sweet feelings I previously had with the Lord when my running was easier. My mind is a little too pre-occupied with the endurance of getting back into my running groove. I know those special atmospheres and times with the Lord will come in time, but for now I have to grind it out until my body is more used to the running routine again.

Years ago as younger Christian, I might have panicked and thought – “What’s wrong? I am not feeling God’s presence in the same way. Did I do something wrong? Am I out of God’s will?” And on and on. Now I know better. God never leaves me. He never forsakes me. To the contrary, His word teaches me, “Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.” (James 4:8)

When we draw near to God with the hopes of Him drawing near to and speaking to us, we have to remember the primary way God speaks to us. He primarily speaks to us through His Word. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread…” He was not teaching them to pray for provision. He was teaching them to meditate on His Word and listen for the Word of God to speak to their hearts each day. Why? Because we need help, direction, correction, peace, and power in our life. That is what the Word of God is to us! Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Spending time in the Word gives God place to bring His Word to your remembrance through His Holy Spirit. It is through His Word rising up in your heart, that those special and intimate times come.

So, on my run today while I am still in the grinding it out stage that might last for a few weeks, I may or may not feel the goosebumps or special moments. But, I have no doubt that the Lord is with me. And so, I did today and will continue to sing to Him, pray, and meditate on Jesus great love for me and each of you as I pray for us all. Special moments will come!

Psalm 73:28 “But as for me, how good it is to draw near to God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things He does.”

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt