When was the last time you got goose bumps from the realization of the steadfast presence of God in your midst? Was it lately? Or so long ago, you had to stop and think?

Summer is my FAVORITE season.  June is my FAVORITE month.  I have so many amazing God moments that happened in the summers of my life.  Before I had kids, I was an elementary school special ed teacher.  And all summer long, I sat out by the pool in my backyard and BASKED in the sun.  (Don’t get too jealous, I don’t have a pool anymore.)  But I do plan on basking beside one most of the summer!

Are you a summer girl too?  I just cannot get enough of it.  Popsicles, back porch dinners, sundresses, flip flops…I could go on and on.

Last summer I had a “basking” in Jesus’s presence moment on a sunny beach in North Carolina. I had been seeking God about a decision I needed to make very soon but I had not received a clear answer. I had called all my closest family and friends and sought their advice, but I was still feeling conflicted.

I laid on the beach, quiet and still. I heard the God-made rhythm of the waves roll in and out. I felt the warmth of the sun on my skin, the gentle, steady breeze, the gritty sand beneath my toes. I smelt and tasted the salt and sweat. I was fully aware of the setting around me. But yet, as I became so very still, I was fully aware of the presence of Jesus. So very aware, that I felt as though he was sitting right beside me.

We know from his word that this is always the case. He has promised many places in scripture that he would always be with us.

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

But are we really walking around daily being sure of his presence? I know I haven’t been. But I know I am ready to. I’m ready to put down my phone and be fully engaged in my surroundings, seeing the evidence of God all around me.  God talked about this in his word:

“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” Romans 1:20

His handiwork and his wonder are all around us. His love can be seen, heard, tasted, smelt, and felt at any given moment.

The problem is, we are distracted. Distracted by the flood of information on our phones, our minds racing to the future, and just a plain numbness that robs us of worshipping the one true God who is all around us.

I’m ready to not just have “quiet times” in the mornings, but to form a practice of being still during my days. I want to soak him in and document where I’ve noticed his glory, which is all around us.  I’m ready to BASK in the presence of God.

To Bask: revel in and make the most of (something pleasing).

I would love for you to join us here at Refocused Bible Study this summer as we BASK in God’s presence, reveling (taking intense pleasure and satisfaction)  in Him where He has planted our feet for this summer season!!!

Free downloadable devotional journal will be here next week! Don’t miss it!

The journal starts the first official day of summer, Memorial, May 30th!

Spread the Word! Grab some friends. This one is not life season specific, right for everyone. Even the littles! 🙂