Finding God's Presence ~ How Does God Melt a Heart of Stone?

by Nan Jones   @NanJonesAuthor

Busyness.
Bedlam.
Life moving at full throttle.

Even the cars traveling I-40 on that crisp February afternoon mirrored our chaotic lives.

Couple this frenzy with a depleted spirit, fragile emotions, and worn-out body and you will find me - a woman going through the motions trying desperately to follow the Lord and His plan.

Determined.
Committed.
Dependent solely on Him.

I lay my head against the headrest and, closing my eyes, I tried to relax. At last, Marcie and I exited I-40. Fighting for an opportunity to turn left in oncoming traffic echoed the chaos once again. But then ... THEN ...

We passed through the gates at The Cove, Billy Graham's Retreat Center in Asheville, NC. Without a doubt, we were on sacred ground - ground and facilities dedicated to the glory of God, ground and facilities prayed over and visited by thousands of children of God every year. There is no doubt the Spirit of God dwells richly at The Cove. His Presence is tangible. His peace attainable.

And oh how I needed His peace.

Marcie and I were there to attend The Asheville Christian Writers Conference/Boot Camp. But, like our Jewish brothers and sisters say, "Man makes plans and God just laughs!" Our plans were to study hard, network sincerely, and capture every moment of a delightful weekend with other writers.

But God's purpose was for me to capture Him once again - to let His living waters flow over and through my broken places, to offer my shattered heart to Him with thanksgiving for His faithfulness and promise to restore. 

After dinner we gathered for a keynote speaker and worship. The music began to soar and my heart began to melt. I've always loved worship - I've even led it during different seasons of my life. Little did I know that my Father in heaven was about to chisel away at the hard places that had formed over the past year. 

We sang:
Wonderful, merciful Savior
Precious Redeemer and Friend
Who would have thought that a Lamb
Could rescue the souls of men
Oh, You rescue the souls of men

Counselor, Comforter, Keeper
Spirit we long to embrace
You offer hope when our hearts have
Hopelessly lost our way
Oh, we've hopelessly lost our way

You are the One that we praise
You are the One we adore
You give the healing and grace
Our hearts always hunger for
Oh, our hearts always hunger for...

All I could see was His lovely face. My adoration lifted me up into His Presence as His love came down to meet my life that lay in shambles around me. His embrace was tender. Kind. I looked into His eyes that pierced through to my inner being, bringing magnificent light to the darkened corners carefully hidden from others. His consuming fire melted my heart of stone scarred by unbearable wounds. 

I began to feel as though I was living again. Do you know what I mean? The death knell cast upon me by the enemy had been eradicated by the One who loves me with an everlasting love. I could see a future and a hope - a hope that had once been cast aside as my heart lost its way.

Sweet friend, are you in pain today? Have life's heartaches stolen your joy? Your hope? I encourage you to praise Him. Allow the Lord to melt your heart of stone scarred by unbearable wounds. Look into His lovely face and let Him search you and know you that He might set you free.

I'm praying for you. I cherish your prayers also.

"Marvelous are Your works, 

and that my soul knows very well." 

~ Psalm 139:14

A Tweetable to Encourage Others

Where is God when my heart loses its way? @NanJonesAuthor offers a glimpse. (click to tweet)

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