Back to: The Salt of the Earth (A Devotional on Spiritual Growth)
Definition
Present: Being aware and mindful of what is happening at this very moment
We feel lost, life is hard, and we wonder if God hears our prayers. We might want to give up, or we are expectant and impatiently want to be on the other side of the journey or blessing. The Holy Spirit reminds us to just to be present. Rather than dwell on the past or worry about the future, we are just expected to walk by faith today.
“Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” – (Matthew 6:34)
The word translated “worry” in Greek is “Merimnao” which is really two different Greek words: “Merizo” which means “TO DIVIDE” and “Nous” meaning “MIND.” In other words it means a “DIVIDED MIND” Jesus is telling us in Matthew 6:34 not to be divided in our thinking (distracted) but remain focused on the present moment. There is much to witness, experience and be aware of in the present rather than importing future concerns that have not materialized.
Somewhere in the midst of my busy, distracted days is a loving God… Did I even notice?” -Keith Riley
The Sacredness Of Creation
- The sacred potential of each moment is a gift too good to waste.
- God created us to thrive in His presence and the only way to do that is to be in His presence. (The garden of Eden: even though normal human functions were still happening it was all within His presence)
- Light (Genesis- Sun, stars, moon) created as time indicators. (Time, seasons and days are measured through this part of creation.
- Drawing strength from the big Light (God) He is enough to be our time (Revelation) But He intentionally designed it so creation demonstrates the sacredness of time. (Each day is sacred to God)
- The success of life still hasn’t changed- we thrive in His presence with or without sin.
- Anxiety, worry, depression, stress all become a by product of living a day without the focus of the presence of God.
The bible is filled with individuals (Noah, Samson, David, Apostles) who thrived not because of their problem-solving skills or ability to survive or get through a day but rather because of the presence they were in to fulfill all of the things God called them to do (Eden)
Quote
“To his eyes this is a God-bathed and God-permeated world. It is a world filled with a glorious reality, where every component is within the range of God’s direct knowledge and control — though he obviously permits some of it, for good reasons, to be for a while otherwise than as he wishes. It is a world that is inconceivably beautiful and good because of God and because God is always in it. It is a world in which God is continually at play and over which he constantly rejoices. Until our thoughts of God have found every visible thing and event glorious with his presence, the word of Jesus has not yet fully seized us.”
Did We Even Notice?
It’s easy to forget the splendor of all that God has created for us. We oversleep, run late and now in a frantic mode, Blow past the beauty of flowers, the smell of a coffee shop, or the joy of a conversation. We are too busy worrying about how to “catch up” on our ever changing schedules. The presence of certain technologies in our daily routines can also be a constant distraction from the present moment and the Presence in front of us. My phone connects me to friends all over the world, but it can also disconnect me from the sacred human right in front of me. Somewhere in the midst of our busy, distracted days is a loving God — constantly pursuing us with tenderness and soul-nurturing experiences. Sometimes God withholds the breakthroughs because He wants you stay tethered to Him a little longer. Noticing God takes intentionality and openness on our part, so practice noticing
Presence Practice
We all find ourselves caught up in distractive duties that pull us away from creating time to ignite our spiritual fire. God understands how difficult it is for us to maintain this connection however the onus is on us to at least try and devote a time in our day to cultivate a presence practice. Below I have listed daily checks to help you remain tethered and present in His Presence.
At the end of a day, run back over the day in chunks: morning, midday, afternoon and evening.
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Think about what you enjoyed eating and drinking. Recall the friends you spent time with, the highs of your day, and even the difficult moments.
Where did you experience God’s love in your day? Was it in the smile of a loved one, the sun on your face, or the delightful taste of that ice cream?
Look back on your day with curiosity and grace. There is no need for shame or regret. Instead, pray, “God, help me to see your gifts to me in this day.”
Conclusion
God is reminding us that in seek His presence (The Kingdom that was lost in the Garden) We acquire all that we need to not merely survive but learn to appreciate a day. Days, time are sacred to God. He is more concerned in our proximity to Him in Hos presence than the resources we think we need to have a successful day. Every moment is crucial and necessary to getting what you ask God for even the tedious ones, but regardless even if it’s a bad day you still have His Presence.
