“God is real,
He’s so real, He’s real to me”
Sang Rachel as the
choir began to sway to the music.
She continued to
sing about the wonderful things God has done,
As the choir followed
her in heavenly harmony.
I’d sat many Sundays
in Church being blessed by the choir,
But never really
had the experience of God they sang about.
My life way far
from pretty,
And I longed to
experience the realness of God for myself.
I sigh, as I wonder
what it is really all about?
Is it just coming
to Church, clapping hands,
Raising the roof
with a shout?
There has to be
more.
I ponder some more,
the service now in full bloom.
Mother Beckford
dances in the aisles,
While others raise
their hands in praise –
Some saying “Hallelujah!”
And others speaking
in the beautiful unknown language
My mother used to
tell me about when I was young.
I sit here watching,
wondering why don’t I experience things like that?
I was dry as Ezekiel’s
valley of bones –
Desperately in need
of some life.
Bro. Moses begins
his sermon: “God is real!” he booms,
Telling us of the
mysteries of God and His majesty.
I was listening,
but my attention was distracted
As I heard a still
small voice speak to me:
“You long to experience
Me,, but what you fail to see
Is that I am
all around you –
The sky, earth
and sea. I am everywhere.
Nothing can contain
Me or hold Me back.
I am great ‘I
AM’ – Jehovah Shammah.
I catch you when
you fall,
Dry your eyes
when you cry,
Hold you in My
arms when you experience heartache
And scream at
Me helplessly “Why??!!”
Draw closer to
Me and I will draw even closer to you.
I will not leave
you or forsake you.
I will hide you
under My wings,
Protect you from
the storm, Guide you through the valley,
Sit up with you
through the night
Waiting for the
dawn.”
“Repent! Repent!
Repent!", was the next thing I heard.
“All you who
wish to know and experience the reality of God,
Come and give
your life to Him”,
Said Bro. Moses
with such an urgency,
I could not ignore.
Before I knew where
I was,
I found myself at
the alter,
Crying and confessing
my sins before God.
I accepted His Son, Jesus, as my Lord and Saviour that day.
20 years ago that
was. I still remember like it was yesterday.
He stayed true to
His word and kept me through my trials and heartaches.
He never left my
side – ever!
I can now understand
and proudly say:
“God is real,
He’s so real, He’s real to me.”
Copyright © Sabrina Barrett, February 2001