Psalm 46
God has given
us some great and precious promises. God is faithful to stick
to his promises. They never fail. One of the most comforting
promises is that he will never leave us or forsake us. Even
though we sometimes feel abandoned, we are not. He is always by
our side. He promises us that. He’s not only there with us, he
is there in times of trouble.
If only we
could be so faithful. How often do we recognize God’s presence
through the day? How often do we just sit and enjoy his
company? Smile at the fact that he’s there. When we recognize
that God is always there, during difficult times we can approach
him with great confidence as our refuge and strength, an
ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we have no reason to
fear. Though it may seem that our world is crashing down around
us, guess where that God is. Right where he promised to be.
How do we
practice the presence of God? Yes. I said, “we practice.”
God is not going to be absent from us. He promised us. In
order for us to be aware of his presence, we have to act like
he’s present. Can you imagine spending 24 hours a day with
someone and only acknowledging their presence once or twice a
week? Of course you can’t. Yet we often act that way with God
who is with us 24 hours a day. What are some things that we can
do to acknowledge God’s presence?
- Speak to him
throughout the day. If you are alone, speak out loud to him.
I remember staying at someone’s house during a hurricane and
the lady of the house looking out of the window and talking to
God about the storm. Not just asking for safety but just
talking about it. Talk to him about what’s going on around
you.
- Ask him to
help you make decisions. Quick ones and Long ones. A great
question is, “Lord, what do I do?” Simple, huh?
- Ask him to
help you see things the way he sees them. People and
situations. Ask him to help you see the big picture.
- Finally, be
still and know that he is God. Be still and know that he is
in control. Bask in his presence. Rest in him. Take joy in
the fact that he is the God of your salvation. Meditate on
his character (found in Scripture.)
If you can
think of other ways to practice the presence of God,
email me I’d love to hear them. Meanwhile, acknowledge him
to be the Lord. Practice his presence in your everyday life,
not just in Sunday morning Worship.
--Melissa Vincent
