Who Have You Been Talking To?

I had forgotten one of my favorite Montana scenes until that morning at the ranch. Standing at the kitchen window, I took in the beauty before me while the comforting aroma of bacon frying filled the air. My loved ones were still asleep after their first night’s rest, and peace seemed to settle over everything like a warm embrace.

In that quiet moment, a line from Sidney Cox came to mind: “Bloom in all Thy beauty in the garden of my heart.”

Psalm 92:12–13 says, “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon, planted in the house of the Lord; they will flourish in the courts of our God.” The image of a flourishing tree reminds us that when we are rooted in God’s presence, our souls thrive.

But sometimes, even in Montana, growth takes a pause. An early snowfall can surprise the trees before their leaves have fallen, freezing them mid-season.

That morning, I noticed the tree in my backyard—its branches still clothed in brilliant orange leaves—bowed beneath the weight of fresh snow. The contrast of fiery color and pure white was breathtaking. And in that stillness, I felt as though I was standing in the very presence of God.

I thought about others who had stood in His presence—Gabriel, who said, “I stand in the presence of God,” and Moses and Joshua, who met with Him in the tent of meeting. Prophets like Daniel, Ezekiel, and Isaiah received visions that left them forever changed.

I used to think only people like them could experience such closeness to God. And yet, there I stood—at my kitchen window, of all places—overwhelmed by His nearness.

Steven Wood, a gifted singer-songwriter, captures this truth beautifully in his song Who Have You Been Talking To. He reminds us that being in God’s presence isn’t complicated or reserved for the few. It’s as simple as talking to Jesus. A conversation with the Creator of the universe is always within reach—day or night.

Every step, every challenge, every heartache is only a breath of prayer away. When we talk to Him, we are truly standing in His presence.

Closing Prayer Lord, help me recognize Your presence not only in the wonders of Your creation but also in the quiet moments when I speak with You. May my heart bloom in Your garden today. Amen.