Practicing The Presence Of God
June 6, 2016,
Posted in Uncategorized |
We practice many things in order to get better and better at them. We practice playing an instrument, exercise, cooking, knitting. painting and so much more. Our practice is intentional. We intentionally want to do, and be better at, something important to us.
Of all the things I’d like to be better at, experiencing the peacefulness of the presence of God is at the top of my list.
I’m reminded of my need for more time to experience the presence of God as I sit in our backyard this morning. I’m so thankful to be able to enjoy the beautiful nature God has provided.
As I tell God of my gratitude for all He has done, and continues to do, I sense Him wrapping his arms around me like a warm, soft blanket.
As I thank Him for the simplicity of a song bird singing good morning, a woodpecker swooping in for breakfast, the soft cool breeze blowing through the leaves of the trees and the intermingling of sun and clouds, I can feel His presence.
As I tell Him how thankful I am for the good medical news of someone I love dearly, I can sense Him saying, “it’s all under control”. As I thank Him for watching over my son while he’s half a world away, I feel, not only His presence, but also, a sense of peace as He acknowledges my gratitude. I feel Him say, “I love them too.”
My heart overflows.
The presence of the Holy Spirit is surrounding me. I can feel Him. It’s a feeling like none other. Why don’t I sit alone with Him more often? Why don’t I practice this type of loving solitude again and again?
I am convicted.
I need to make more time for abiding in the presence of my heavenly Father.
“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you”. John 14:16-17 NASB
We experience the presence of God in many ways; reading scripture, singing a song of praise, prayer in desperation for answers and hope, prayer in gratitude for help when help felt far away, gratitude for the beauty He has created and other ways too.
Today, it’s simply sitting in silence while focusing on how much God loves us and how much I love Him too.
He’s with us always. We need only, intentionally, be with Him.
Father,
Thank You for the reminder that no matter how busy life gets, You are always with us. Thank You for speaking love to us in so many wonderful ways. Please help me to make more time for just us to spend alone together. I love You. Amen.
In His embrace,
Toni
When Our Politics Become Our Religion 
Holy Week Is Over, What Now? 
Jesus The One And Only 
Let Go Of The String 
Jesus, The Lifter of My Head 
Thank you so much for this great reminder.
Thank you Donna! I hope you find as much peace in spending simple time with our Lord as I do.
God bless you always!
My sweet sister…Thank You for this beautiful reminder of the joy of sweet surrender in His presence. You are my Jesus Glitter today 🙂 Always sparkling for Christ!
Sheila, I am honored to be Jesus glitter! You, my friend, sparkle like none other. 🙂
Oh Sheila you described our friend Toni so beautifully. Toni, thanks for this beautiful reminder, I know it is a commitment I need to make. Love you my dear, sweet,, inspirationall friend.
Hi Nancy! So good to hear from you! This world is such a mess. We need the solitude of Jesus to remind us it’s all going to be okay in the end. I love you too Nancy! Your sweet spirit lingers in my heart always. 🙂
♡
Thank you Jess!
Thank you Toni for your gentle nudge reminding me of the desire to get closer to our God. Miss you sooo much. I love you
Sometimes we all need a gentle nudge. 🙂
Love and miss you too my friend!
I think of Brother Lawrence’s little book, “Practicing the Presence of God” and recall how he spent time peeling potatoes and just being present in God’s Presence. I NEED and WANT to spend more time with Him yet things always get in the way. I do not want that to be so. I expect to be on time for appointments, and I expect my tutees to be on time when they come for a lesson. God expects me to be there for Him. Making time and room for my Lord should be of utmost importance. Thank you for this timely reminder.
Hi Linda,
I must admit, I did not know about Brother Lawrence’s book. I do believe I need to get a copy now. Thank you for letting me know.
And thank you for stopping by. It means a lot to me to know something I’ve written sparks someone to draw near to our Lord.
God bless you Linda!
Thank you for sharing your heart. What a beautifully written message of inspiration.
Thank you so much Lori!
I pray you are able to have your time alone with Jesus too. I know how much time alone with Him means to you. In His presence is where we find our greatest rest and peace.
God bless you for your service, today and always.