Christ Dwells Within
Barbara Howard of Independence, MO, USA
And the secret is simply this: Christ is in you! Yes, Christ is in you bringing with him the hope of all the glorious things to come. -Colossians 1:27 (Phillips)
Early one fall morning I rapidly climbed a hillside until I could stop to breathe and be. [Lying] on the ground in a quiet, wooded area, I found in nature a parable that reminded me of God’s presence within me.
It was a simple gift, a gray-green, brittle nest of plant life known as Spanish moss. This bit of creation was not really the one plant it appeared to be, but rather two living together where neither could exist alone. Fungus cells provided a supporting structure anchoring the organism in its physical environment, protecting the companion cells within. In turn the more fragile indwelling algae served to capture the energy of sun’s light, nourishing the life of both plants made one.
I hold this token of God’s grace and revealment even today and remember that Christ dwells in me and is my source of life. I exist with and because of Christ to move in this world.
-Reprinted from Journey of Joy, Herald House, 1990, pp. 28-29
Prayer Phrase
I am about to do a new thing, now it springs forth… (Isaiah 43:19).
Spiritual Practice
A New Thing
Breathe deeply and listen within. Where is the Spirit doing a new thing in you? How do you feel about the new thing that might be emerging? Are you excited, resistant, fearful, hopeful? Take whatever you are experiencing to prayer. Breathe deeply and listen around you. Where is the Spirit doing a new thing in your community? Pay attention to how it feels to discern the Spirit’s activity and presence within and around you.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
