Keeping the Lord before me

Usually I share this type of stuff on my devotional blog----I do believe I have too many blogs. AH well.

I have been reading a book from 1609 called Introduction to the Devout Life. This has been helpful, but I have to read it slowly so I can apply it.

One thing he refers to is David's saying, "O Lord! As for me, I am always with you. I keep the Lord always before me. To you I raise my eyes, to you enthroned in heaven."

He says we should do this in our day, no matter where we are. ..."retire occasionally into the solitude of your heart while you are outwardly engaged in business or conversation. This mental solitude cannot be prevented by the multitude of those who surround you. For, as they are not about your heart, but your body, your heart may remain in the presence of God alone."

"As birds have their nests on trees to which they occasionally retire, and the deer, bushes and thickets in which they conceal themselves and enjoy the cool shade in the heat of summer, so shall we....choose some place every day, either on Mount Calvary, or in the wounds of our Lord, or in some other place near him, as a retreat to which we may occasionally retire to refresh and recreate ourselves amidst our exterior occupations, and there, as in a stronghold, defend ourselves against temptations. Blessed is he that can say with truth to our Lord: 'You are my rock and refuge, my shelter from the rain, my shade from the heat."

I like his illustration of the bird and the deer.....it is a helpful picture. It is good, not just to meditate on scripture, but to actually in fullness of mind and heart seek to envelope our being with thoughts of God's actual presence. He is always present with us.....but it makes a difference when I think on this.....when I think of who HE is and His glorious being....it is transforming.