“Lift up your eyes…then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy…” Isaiah 60:4-5

A week ago at this time on Sunday morning, I was sitting outside on the master bedroom deck of the shore house we rented in Ocean City, New Jersey, facing east as the sun was rising above the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoying my needed quiet time with the Lord, I asked Him to reveal His presence to me in a special way. I just needed His “personal touch”, even just briefly, on my heart.

You see, the night before, our first night of vacation, was a bit crazy. After getting settled in the house, we piled in the car for a short, but promised, night on the boardwalk amusements with the kids. Jim’s car wouldn’t start. To top it off, as we sat in a dead car, we realized we were locked out of the house…the one set of keys we had to the house was inside.

Though frustrated, our thankful hearts knew very well to count our blessings. We were at the shore on vacation with our family. We were thankful. With help via the cell phone from our friends who own the house we rented, we gained access to the house and the keys. (Needless to say, we were very careful with the keys the rest of the week.) Ford Roadside Assistance was our angel from the Lord, and Jim’s car was towed the next day and repaired at a local Ford dealer quickly.

So, last Sunday morning, as I opened my Bible, I prayed, “Lord, I know You are here. I know You are with me. Would you please just reveal Yourself to me in a special way at this moment?” As I sat quietly and weary before the Lord, I lifted my head up toward the sky. Suddenly, in a distinguishable way, the sun boldly warmed my face. It was remarkable. The sun was shining strikingly on my face. Brighter than it every has. It was a glorious moment. My heart swelled in amazement, peace and joy.

As I opened the scriptures, He faithfully gave me my portion of His truth. “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” Isaiah 60:1 I was silenced in awe that this is where He led me in His Word that morning.

Then I read Ephesians 5:14: “But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up…and Christ will shine on you.'” Shine upon me indeed. In His grace, mercy and faithfulness, He showed me His presence and satisfied me with His Word.

“Only one thing is needed…and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42 As I woke up and got this tired body and grumpy heart out of bed, thirsting for my daily time with Him, He met me so personally. And those times will never be taken away. They remain forever. And for you, too, as you spend time at His feet, praying, listening, reading and just quieting your heart. He is faithful to meet us and give us our portion….an overflowing portion.