Daily Delight

I stood as the sanctuary filled with worship music. The words, “holy, holy, holy” repeated as voices joined together in song. My heart expanded as I heard, “We’re standing on holy ground, we see you all around.” God’s presence was not just a thought, but a reality.

The same feeling marked a day two thousand years ago. A sense of holy presence was everywhere, and I am sure even the soldiers playing games in the shadow of the cross perceived something was different. The soldiers completed the tasks before them and counted it as one more day on the job. But the moment the sky turned dark, and Jesus called out, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46, NIV), the ordinary became extraordinary.

Life is a pathway. You make choices to stay on the path or create your own. I remember many summers walking on the beach. I looked ahead to get a clear view, only to find the horizon waiting for me. Gingerly, I hopped from one footprint to another trying to match my steps with those who walked before me.

Each step brought me closer to my destination, but it was only when I opened my heart completely that I saw the way more clearly. God is the path, and He matches our heartbeat and desires, step for step. Our breathing slows to God’s rhythm as we reach for the gift given to us through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

The soldiers witnessed a new path in the shadow of the cross. What once was, changed the landscape of the world. The path to the cross turned upside down as Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice turned into our greatest joy on Easter morning.

The shadow of the cross became the glory of the tomb. The promise of hope and grace was born when Jesus rose from the dead. "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust" (Ps. 91:1, NIV). 

May the shadow of the cross become your Easter joy as you rest in the holy presence of Jesus! 

About the Author

Mary Geisen 

Mary Geisen is a lover of coffee and deep, soul-filled conversations. She is the mom of two married sons, a retired teacher, writer, author and seeker of grace in the ordinary. Several years ago, God called her to bravely step out by sharing her journey in written form. The power of God’s words has inspired her journey of healing and drawing closer to God through the power of grace. She continues to walk toward brave faith in her everyday life and encourages others to do the same. 

You can connect with Mary on her blog, www.marygeisen.com or on Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/marygeisen/