“As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up

and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him . . .Then their eyes were opened

and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.”

Luke 24:15-16, 31

If only. . .

I had stayed in Your presence

instead of going my own way.

Maybe, just maybe

I would have recognized You

I would not have strayed.

Maybe I would have understood

the reason for others hope.

Mine was gone, You were gone

Joy and peace shattered, I walked alone.

 

Or, so, I thought.

 

But You were right there with me

there was a day I bowed my head

closed my eyes, surrendered

heart flooded with a light I

could never comprehend until

I opened my eyes and saw You

as for the first time in my life.

And I knew, really knew, deep inside

Yes, You are THE CHRIST!

 

Yet, still

I wonder how often I’ll miss You

lost, lonely, and afraid

not realizing You’re still with me

each mile of every day?

 

~Marcie Bridges

© 6 April 2021

 

Two men scuffed along a long a dusty road, heads hanging down, whispering to each other, trying to grasp all that had occurred the past few days.

 

Their best friend, leader, and teacher had been murdered. Then on top of that, his body is missing. Tears flowed freely, grief wrenching their hearts, their futures uncertain. What were they supposed to do now?

 

Suddenly, a man calls out to them. Turning, he seems familiar, but they can’t quite place where they know him from nor who he is. Not wanting to be rude, the men invite him to walk with them.

 

They enjoy the man’s company. He also is familiar with the current happenings and accepts their invitation to dine with them. Shortly after he leaves, they suddenly remember who he is and laugh at all the clues they were given but didn’t catch onto.

 

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:30-32)

 

I wonder though, how many times in my grief and burdens of life, I miss seeing Him or realizing He is with me because I am too centered on myself and my circumstances.

What if I just stayed in His presence all the time? What if I spent more time in prayer and communing with God? Would I have more peace in my life? Would I know Him when I saw Him?

 

There will be days when we experience the presence of Jesus in our life acutely. We know He is real. Each color of nature is brilliantly hued, each song speaks to our hearts, and we are happy. There will also be days when He feels far from us. We can’t find Him anywhere.

 

Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. He walks with us, and talks with us. He is in our hearts, which means, He is always with us. And when we seek Him with all our hearts (invite Him in), we will find Him, right here, waiting for us to recognize Him.

 

From My Heart to Yours,

Marcie 🙂

 

 

all photos courtesy of www.pixabay.com