Being in God’s Presence
The word God gave me for this year is devotion. Hence I’ve been trying to learn to sit in God’s presence without my own agenda. Just to enjoy God. Nothing else.
In January I wrote:
“I want to be seen by God and I want to see God.
I want to meet God in his terms.
I want to spend time in quiet adoration.
I want to devote my heart and mind to God.
I want to sit in his presence in reverent awe.
I want to meet God as he is, not as I imagine him.”
I still yearn the same. But somehow I feel I am even thirstier than back then. I’m slowly realizing this is God’s work, not mine. I need to quit trying so hard. I just need to come to the presence of the Lord and let him work wonders in me. I just need to be in his presence.
Watch your step when you enter God’s house.
Enter to learn. That’s far better than mindlessly offering
a sacrifice,
Doing more harm than good.
Don’t shoot off your mouth, or speak before you think.
Don’t be too quick to tell God what you think he wants to hear.
God’s in charge, not you—the less you speak, the better.
(Ecclesiaste 5:1-2, MSG)
God does not look for religious performances.
God does not care for our spiritual programs.
God does not want mindless prayers.
God just wants us.
We are called to abide in God.
We are called to listen to God.
We are called to adore God.
No performances, programs or even prayers required. We are just called to come to his presence and spend time with him in quiet adoration. Maybe that is what devotion truly means.
Gracious God,
I quit trying to make something of myself.
I just come to your presence
to be loved, cherished, and blessed.
I just spend time with you
loving, cherishing, and blessing you.
I just abide in you,
waiting for you, listening to you.
You don’t need my words,
you already know everything.
You don’t need my performances,
you just need my heart.
I surrender to you, Lord,
now and forever.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Q4U: Are you letting God direct your spiritual formation? What does devotion mean to you?
Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you seek His holy presence!
Giving thanks today for
#471 God is in charge!
#472 We are called to live in freedom
#473 God is in the business of love
#474 quiet times with God
#475 I can just be in God’s presence
#476 God has a plan for my spiritual formation
#477 I am free to enjoy God’s presence
#478 All is done, I can just be
#479 God is God and thankfully I am not
#480 the standing invitation to spend time with God
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Image courtesy of Zach Fonville. Linking up today with Linking up today with What’s on Your Heart Tuesdays , Wordfilled Wednesday , God-Bumps & God-Incidences and
16 thoughts on “Being in God’s Presence”
Great stuff, Mari-Anna! I am right there with you, sister… Sometimes I try too hard also! (Something about striving? 😉 ) I always get myself in trouble when I try to help God help me. My word for this year is “dependence” and it has been quite the road… He has lovingly put me through some stuff that I had no other option than to depend on Him.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and glad I stopped by today from Internet Cafe Devotions 🙂 Blessings, sister!
Thank you, Sharita! Glad you stopped by, sis! And thanks so much for sharing your experiences on your faith journey. It is quite freeing to rest in God’s grace and know He is in charge. Bountiful blessings to you!
When I think of devotion, I think how devoted my Savior is to me. Even when I fail, He reminds faithful and devoted. When the mind wanders, the body flails and the heart strays, He still IS. I’m so humbled by that kind of love, for a sinner like me.
Preach it, sister! Amen! God’s love is amazing, awesome, and abundant. And it really does make us humble. And also joyful and praise-filled!
Thanks for sharing the journey with me. BLESSINGS!
“I need to quit trying so hard.” That is so difficult to do! We feel that if we’re not trying, then we’re not doing what we should. But, relaxing and enjoying God’s presence gives us a strength that we never could have if we were just striving on our own.
Thanks for chiming in, Jennifer! Yes! It is difficult. But the more we practice it, the easier it comes. But is still amazes me. Just think: While enjoying God’s presence we are filled to the brim with faith, hope, and love! Blessings to you, sis!
Write on.
Thanks so much, Denise. I appreciate you. BLESSINGS!
Just popped over here from Ann’s blog 🙂 SO glad I did.
‘His presence’ has been HUGE for me this year…a theme, really.
When we are in His company – we are healed, direction is given, peace is instilled. Nothing like it.
Beautiful post 🙂
Blessings,
Kate 🙂
Thank you kindly, Kate! Glad you stopped by! It’s very nice to meet you!
Yes!!! The mystery of God’s grace is found in His presence. We truly “are healed, direction is given, peace is instilled” as you said. I could add that our doubts are lifted, faith strengthened…and let’s not forget joy! We truly need to BE in God’s presence. What a wonderful theme you’ve got there!
May God enrich your faith in surprising ways and may his grace fill every nook and cranny of your heart!
Thank you.
I can get so busy that I forget to just bask in the presence of God. No other place that provides such tranquility- at least that I’ve found!
Thanks, TC! Yes, busyness definitively is an enemy. We do need to be intentional about seeking His presence. Basking in the presence of God is a necessity, not a luxury item. Abundant blessings!
So true. Day by day, while walking, talking, seeking, praying, focusing on HIM that’s all that counts forever and ever. And, I ain’t quiet… but I am an adorer. Nothing else truly ever counts. Ever.
“I ain’t quiet…but I am an adorer.” Awesome! love you, sis! Thanks so much for sharing. Abundant blessings to you & yours! Keep praising Him!
I am definitely guilty of trying too hard. I am afraid of being distracted and so I have to be really intentional about creating space to sit at His feet. Both physically and in my mind and in my heart. I haven’t quite got it all figured out yet, but see “trying too hard”, I suspect 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing, Leanne. Yes, we need to be intentional about creating space for God in our lives. Blessings to you, sis!