Be Present: Spoken Word by Barabara Quaye

There is this war that is raging, 

raging within me.

The war against myself.

How I, 

how I often think too much about the future,

and what’s to happen,

that I forget about now.

I forget about what’s going on.

To see the sunset before me.

To see the joy of a new life.

How often do I look to myself to provide for the future.

To see what I can do next.

But you are there God.

You are there.

You are here.

You said you would be with me,

that you would guide me

and that you want to order my steps

and lead me to where I need to be.

I worry so much,

I worry about everything

but you told us to consider the lilies of the valley.

And consider the birds of the air.

When I hear these words of yours,

my soul longs for you.

I know one day in your courts is better

than a thousand elsewhere.

One day.

One day far away?

One day to come,

or now?

You said the kingdom of heaven

is now in our midst.

Salvation is here today.

But will I miss it?

Do I see it?

There is all this striving within my soul Lord,

that I don’t even know if I can stop.

You are the peace Lord

and you call me to be present.

You call me to be here and now

and to breathe

and feel your love

and warmth.

To just see your beauty.

How blessed is he

whose strength is in you

that stops worrying about everything

and comes to you with arms open.

Fully aware,

just taking in every moment with You.

Every second,

every breath.

Lord our God, you sit on the throne

but I do not see sometimes.

I’m so busy driving on this road of life

and I just want to get

to the next spot.

You told us sufficient, enough

is today’s troubles.

You said do not worry about tomorrow

but think about today.

Now.

Be present, be in the moment,

be here.

Really truly be here.

Not just think about being here,

not just consider being here

but be here.

Be now.

Emmanuel,

God is with us.

Not God was with us

not God is going to be with us

but Emmanuel is here with us.

Where are you

and do you hear Him speak?

He says, cease striving

and know that I am God.

I am here with you

and we can be present together.

Spoken word devotional by Barbara Quaye of Younger Generation Church.  Posted by A. Allan Martin by permission.