How to Practice the Presence of God
Exodus 33
Psalm 16:11
“The most holy and important practice in the spiritual life is the presence of God – that is, every moment to take great pleasure that God is with you” ~ Brother Lawrence
It is challenging for us to know how to balance life, especially when you have to remain under your parents’ authority and still forge your own independence as you start to become an adult. You have to follow the rules and regulations set by your teachers and parents yet at the same time find a way to enjoy your independence for you are no longer entirely dependent on your parents.
At this stage of life, you have a mind of your own, and there some decisions you would love to make without consulting anyone. Unfortunately, that is not the case because you still have to talk to your parents and teachers and ensure that you’re on the right path. You still have to check up with them because you’re under their care and are still their child no matter how old you get.
The children of Israel wanted to enjoy their own independence. Even though they knew that they could not handle life’s issues without God, they still went ahead and tried to do things their own way. We also do the same from time to time, but God did not create us to live apart from Him. We are supposed to depend on him for everything in our lives. When we try to do things apart from God, we end up messing up our lives, which causes us to leave in a state of defeat.
When God told Moses that he wasn’t going to the promised land with them because the Israelites were stiff-necked people, Moses told Him not to send them into the promised land. Why did he tell God that? Moses knew that for the children of Israel to succeed in their journey to the promised land, they needed the presence of God to go with them.
It is in the presence of God that we become courageous and bold. Trying to do things on our own will cause us to fail miserably. Jesus said without him, we can do nothing. Meaning that we cannot ignite a flame for Him without his presence in our lives.
If you want to fan the flames of your Christian walk, start practicing the presence of God in your life. Instead of focusing on your flaws or what is happening in the world, start focusing on God’s presence in your life. See Him there with you, leading you to places you never imagined. When you fail, see him there encouraging you to get up and to continue fighting the good fight of faith.
Action:
When you get up in the morning, let God be the first person you think about and spend time with before you do any other thing. Speak to Him like you would a friend and thank Him for giving you another chance to fulfill His purpose.
Throughout the day, see God there with you. If you are at school, see him helping you understand what the teachers are teaching you. See Jesus helping you with your homework or house chores and guiding you where you need guidance.