A few years ago, my wife and I visited the fascinating island of Australia. We saw so many beautiful and fascinating places, but one in particular really stands out in my mind. We were exploring a cave in the province of New South Wales, and the guide suggested that we lay down on the floor of the lower-most cavern and look up. “Where there is no one there,” she suggested, “you will feel the presence of God.” We decided to follow her suggestion, and at the end of the tour, after all the other tourists had exited the cave, we lay down on the floor and stared upward. Sure enough, we were both filled with peace, with energy.

As is often the case with such adventures, I forgot about this one. Until recently, that is. We were camping, and my wife was down at the camp office using the Wi-Fi. I ran out of things to do, so I lay down on the bed in the trailer and began to stare at the ceiling overhead. As I did, the memory of that cave in Australia came back to me, and as I stared upward, I began to listen for the voice of my Heavenly Father. Sure enough, it came. I was filled with such peace and happiness!

The Psalmist knew something about this exercise: “As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.” (Psalms 17:15 ESV). As you read this words, you have to wonder if perhaps he, too, lay down in the lowermost chamber of a cave and looked up to God. I would suggest this little exercise to anyone. Just lay down, stare up into the sky (or at the ceiling, as the case may be!), and open your heart to your Heavenly Father. Then be prepared to “behold [God’s] face in righteousness”, to “be satisfied with [God’s] lickness”! Be prepared for an encounter with Him!

Remember, we have a great Heavenly Father who loves us beyond comprehension. Whenever I am down, I will continue to put myself on the floor or on the bed and look up, listening for my Heavenly Father. He will come to me. He will show me how much He loves me. It’s guaranteed! What a great Heavenly Father we have! We are never alone! Ever! He loves us too much to leave us or forsake us!

In His love,
Rob Chaffart


(To access the entire “The Sling for God” devotional series, please click here.)