The earth I sleep on is saturated by water. The raindrops seep through the red Georgia clay, down to the roots of the oak trees. The rain is relentless, but it is oh so vital. The past two weeks have been filled with numerous teachings, lots of scripture, and exalting praises for hours into the night. Like refreshing rain water that seeps through the soil, God’s presence seeps deeper and deeper into my soul.
When you find yourself saturated by God’s presence, you can’t help but be overwhelmed by joy regardless of your circumstances. Despite the fact that I have been living in a tent for the past two weeks, and the rain never seems to stop, I have never felt more content. Singing with my teammates as we fill up buckets to hand-wash our clothes is one of the highlights of my week. Dancing and singing praises to God in the rain brought me back to those sweet moments from my childhood, and reminded me of the importance of having a childlike faith. Not having my phone during the day has opened up the opportunity for vulnerable conversations under the soft lights of the patio, and it has taught me the value of fellowship and community.
These are just a fraction of the lessons I have learned here in Gainesville, and I am so very expectant for the lessons that are yet to come. I encourage you, reader, to put yourself in a position where you can find joy in the saturating presence of God. Maybe that looks like leaving your phone at home when you run errands, so you can seek the beauty of God’s creation in your everyday life. Or maybe it’s waking up in the morning to rest in the Word, or singing and dancing to worship unashamedly when you wash dishes in the kitchen, so you can be reminded of the childlike faith God calls us to. Either way, it’s in those simple circumstances where we can be overwhelmed by the sweet, refreshing presence of God.
Until next time,
Olivia
Thanks for the reminder of the beauty found in the mundane!! I’m so proud of you!
Being saturated in God’s never-ending Love… can’t think of a better place to be!!! Love you sweet girl! Thank you for sharing and reminding us of the most important thing!
I love your word- saturated! It’s amazing how God can draw us to Himself with His creation. I’m praying for all of you to continue to be saturated with His presence! I’m also praying for all of us parents that we can use this time to put ourselves in a position to be saturated by His presence.
Wow, this brings me back! LOVE this and the encouragements ti be present and sing. Lord keep bringing Olivia closer to you through the people and place you have surrounded her with.
It’s seems I find myself closest to the Lord when I’m doing my simple, everyday things. Just a walk can turn into so much praise and gratitude for all the beauty He places in my path on that walk. I’m praying for the complete soaking and saturation of Jesus over you every, single day of this race.
God has blessed us with two very incredible and important parts of our lives, Olivia and Kleenex. I am thankful for both!!
Having known her parents since before they were married, I can understand how and why their daughter is so strong and loved by so many. God has a path for you I can’t wait for your journey,
God bless and keep you safe.
RJ
This is a beautiful 🙂 Thank you for the reminder to seek joy in the Lord – to make the space for that. Praying for you as you journey along.
Remembering the simple things in this complicated world is so important. God loves a child-like faith! And dancing and singing in the rain while praising Him is the BEST!