Brother Lawrence who lived with an incredible awareness of God’s presence once said, “it is necessary to always be aware of God’s presence by talking with Him throughout each day”.
He endeavored to stay as close as possible to God and said, “Out of love, I try not to say, do or think anything that might offend Him”. As a result Brother Lawrence declared that he felt much closer to God in his day-to-day activities than most people ever believed to be possible. The worst trial he could imagine was losing his sense of God’s presence which had been with him for so long a time.
The peace and depths of happiness people spend vast amounts of energy searching for is much closer than most of us realise. So many people are trying so hard to find God, but they are running in the wrong direction or doing spiritual gymnastics to feel worthy or good enough for God, which only leaves them discouraged and bent out of shape.
Yet, “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth….is actually not far from each one of us, for in him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:23-31)
God is closer than you think and the fulfilment and peace that we so often search for can actually be found in seeking Him and making being His presence a priority. Not just for an hour once a week or a few moments during our day but endeavoring to stay aware and close to Him at all times.
When David prayed, “In your presence there is fullness of joy, at your right hand are pleasures for evermore,” he meant that nearness to God himself is and can be all-satisfying. (Psalm 16:11)
Today make every effort to live in His presence more. I’ve discovered some ways to live like that are spending time alone with God and determining not to be afraid of solitude. Sometimes the loneliness we can feel is God’s invitation for intimacy with Him. We can also lean in and cultivate an awareness of His presence as we worship Him, read His Word, keep our hearts uncluttered and soft towards Him and cultivate attitudes such as thankfulness and gratitude for the life we have been given.
Let’s take God at His word and remember that, “in His presence is fullness of joy“ as we endeavour with our whole hearts to live more and more aware of and in the presence of God. He longs for us to have that close relationship with Him and for us to be His friend.
“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18-19)
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
Prayer: Lord I thank you for all you have done; for everything you are going to do and most of all for who you are and your love for me. Please help me to be more aware of your presence every minute of the day. In Jesus name Amen.