Practicing the Presence of God
Do you spend time with God regularly? Do you live out your faith or is it something you reserve for Sundays only? And, most importantly, do you practice the absence of God or the presence of God?
Too often Christians are so busy running their lives that they forget God. They forget that God exists and wants to be part of their lives. Even if they say they are Christians, they practice the absence of God. They forget what it is to revel in the presence of God. Hence, they live under their privileges as children of God. Is that you? Now it’s time to turn back to God and start practicing the presence of God. I’ll show you how.
And, beloved, if our consciences (our hearts) do not accuse us [if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us], we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God, 22 And we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we [watchfully] obey His orders [observe His suggestions and injunctions, follow His plan for us] and [habitually] practice what is pleasing to Him. 23 And this is His order (His command, His injunction): that we should believe in (put our faith and trust in and adhere to and rely on) the name of His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and that we should love one another, just as He has commanded us. 24 All who keep His commandments [who obey His orders and follow His plan, live and continue to live, to stay and] abide in Him, and He in them. [They let Christ be a home to them and they are the home of Christ.] And by this we know and understand and have the proof that He [really] lives and makes His home in us: by the [Holy] Spirit Whom He has given us. (1 John 3:21-24, AMP, emphasis added,*)
1) Observe God’s suggestions and injunctions.
If you believe in God, you need to follow him.
If you believe in God, you need to act like it.
If you believe in God, you need to put God’s guidance in practice.
2) Follow God’s plan for you.
The main element of God’s plan for you is to abide in Christ and Christ to abide in you. It does not happen if you keep away from God.
If you don’t pray, you are practicing the absence of God.
If you don’t read the Bible, you are not filled with God’s words.
If you don’t listen to God, you can’t hear him.
3) Practice what is pleasing to God.
Let Christ be a home to you and you to be the home of Christ. Open your heart to Jesus and let him reside in you and work in you and through you. Desire all the spiritual gifts and seek to become more Christ-like. Be filled with the Holy Spirit, spend time in the presence of God.
Live out your faith every single day.
Live your life with God.
Converse with God all the time.
With the words of Brother Lawrence “There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful, than that of a continual conversation with God; those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it.”
Practicing the presence of God is not difficult. In some ways it is the most natural state of a child of God. It is about basking in the presence of God, feeling his love towards us, and loving him back. Just put your faith in practice. Talk to God and go from there. Practice makes perfect. You will learn as you go.
Gracious God,
Forgive us for running around like crazy
and forgetting you.
While you are the One who is our everything.
Show us how to continually converse with you.
Send your Holy Spirit to wash everything that needs cleaning.
Make room for Jesus,make room for your presence.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Q4U: Do you practice the absence of God or the presence of God? How do you do it?
Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you abide in Christ and Christ abides in you!
* [As you might have noticed, I enjoy reading the Bible in different translations and love comparing them. I have started linking the Bible verses to Biblegateway.com so you can easily read (and compare) them in the different versions I’ve used while preparing each post.]
Image courtesy of Mari-Anna Stålnacke. Linking up today with Faith-filled Fridays, Five Minute Friday, and Faith Barista.
5 thoughts on “Practicing the Presence of God”
Good words on the presence of God here. An abstract idea to many, and really there will always remain much about God and His manifestation that is shrouded in mystery. Though you are right: The Word shows us over and over again how to practice the presence because it is a gift to us, to be enjoyed.
May I make a suggestion?
If you want your teaching to have a personal impact, {blogs are a personal means of communication} give your readers a focal point of a short personal story you have experienced to show whatever you are teaching, looks like.
Happy Friday and Cheers!
Thank you kindly, Leah! I appreciate you caring enough to make a suggestion. I always struggle with personal stories. I don’t want to make posts about me but Him. But I do understand the power of stories. Trying to find a balance here. Have a blessed weekend, friend!
Oh good. I was hoping you would not be offended. I seldom give advice on comments, we all need encouragement the most, right? I can tell you how much you love The Lord.
Have a great weekend.
Cheers!
Thanks, Leah! Stay blessed!