Mike Paschall . com

My apologies.  I feel like I’ve punk’d you for the past couple months with advertisements for the book.  Your gracious response to all of that has been overwhelming.  Patti and I really appreciate you all.  Thank you so much! -MDP-

You’ve seen the images on social media, right? The devo-selfie. There might be a beach or a fireplace in the back ground, but the gist is always the same: Bible (check), pen (check), coffee (check), journal (check), a lavender candle (for the more artistic types), and the special highlighted focus on some verse or thought that is doing it for the person who has posted the image. It always makes me chuckle when I see it, because I too really appreciate those incredible moments of laying low in liminal space.

When I was much younger, I probably enjoyed the pursuit of the moment much more than the intimacy of the connection. I was proud and zealous—a man on a mission. I was probably more of the proverbial bull in the china closet when it came to my handling of sacred space. Taking notes and reading the requirements are tasks that all serious God-people undertake and I was one of the serious. There were dues to pay, so I did my allotment. As I mentioned, I was very devout about it all. But, I must admit that I’m now less concerned about what I do in that space and much more desirous to just sit in His presence. Let me briefly try to make sense of what that means.

I think it’s right to say that God probably speaks to each of us in a way that flows with our sensitivities and temperaments. The where and the how is probably the least significant aspect of this thought, but the condition of our internal sensitivities has everything to do with our connection with the divine. I don’t think God is waiting on us to do our daily spiritual constitution before He’s willing to download to us. Us performing for God is not demanded or required. I think the meat of “devotion” is our willingness to sit in spiritual nakedness before the One who knows us like no other. I’m talking about real exposure. I’m talking about sitting before God (on purpose) and exposing our whole selves to His loving eyes. Of course He sees us, but there is something that rattles us to the core when we’ve stilled ourselves long enough to know that we’ve invited Him to look at us. Nose to nose. Heart to heart.

Have you ever watched someone while he or she was looking at you, measuring you, trying to peek behind the curtain of your façades? How we respond to that is usually a good indicator of how comfortable we are in that moment. It’s hard to explain, but there is a tangible pressure in that exchange. I’m trying to incorporate my exposure into less refined and dramatic settings. It’s an exercise of synchronizing my head and heart to His gaze throughout the normal day. I’m no expert and I don’t always have my A-game, but I’m trying to be more consciously astute and let Him look. For some reason, I believe He really enjoys my appreciation and ease when I see the love in His eyes while He’s looking at me. Yeah, I don’t get it, but it’s pretty much always wonderful.

Maybe… just maybe… it would be good to blow out the candle, close your Bible, the devo, the journal, and just sit still. Take it off. Whatever it is that you’re all wrapped up in (fear, anxiety, the pursuit of being noticed and appreciated, longing for something sensational, wild, exotic, and exciting) and take it off. Invite Him to look at you. Trust Him enough to expose your self. I think you’ll connect at a whole new level.

Oh, I almost forgot, pictures of THIS moment aren’t really necessary. ; )

Love you all,

-MDP-  xo