Practicing the Presence of God
From The Book "Practicing the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence
With over six billion people on the earth today, it is difficult to imagine being alone with God. But what if you and God were the only two in the entire universe? How would you relate to Him? How would He relate to you? You would be in each other's presence, without any distractions, every minute of every day. Sounds like a perfect situation to relate to God.
However, there are over six billion other people on planet earth today. The world is busier today than it has ever been. There is more knowledge than ever in the history of man. More people, more technology, more knowledge, more self-centeredness equals more busy lives and distractions from focusing on anything, especially God. So coming into the presence of God becomes most difficult.
The presence of God can be defined in many ways. It is sensing His presence in my life. It is focusing on Him alone for a period of time. It is waiting for Him and sensing His presence in the quietness or busyness of each day. It is being totally satisfied with whatever season of life we find ourselves in because He is our focus, and we are abiding in Him and know that He abides in us.
John 15:4 (KJV)
" Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me."
Psalms 16:8 (KJV)
" I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved."
Psalms 145:18 (KJV) " The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth."
We find the presence of God in prayer, Bible study, worship, and in the quiet, intimate times we spend alone. No matter how or where it takes place, it is man's spirit connecting with the Spirit of God in an intimate way. This can take place while we are working, resting, playing. It is a feeling that you and God are the only two in the universe and connecting intimately with each other.
Coming into the presence of God on a regular basis can be difficult at first. The enemy of our soul, Satan, wants nothing more than to distract us from this goal. The more we focus on the Lord, the less we focus on the devil. The closer we come to God, the farther away we move from his world of sin, disobedience, and unrighteousness. So he will put many distractions in our paths to prevent us from practicing the presence of God. The most common is becoming too busy,
too tired to spend time with God. For the same reasons, cutting our time short with God results in a lack of intimacy with Him.
We can come into His presence with determination and practice in a few key areas. First, we must strive for purity of life in all we say, do and think. Secondly, we must be faithful in the practice of the presence of God. There will be many distractions at first. But being habitual and consistent in the practice will eventually bring a break-through. Thirdly, invite God to be a part of everything we do. In this we will find satisfaction in whatever He calls us. Lastly, we must die to self, crucify the flesh, and focus on God. Brother Lawrence in his book
The Practice of the Presence of God says, "We must leave behind our animal nature." Paul says in his letter to the Corinthian Church , "I die daily" 1 Cor. 1: 15:31 . And again in his letter to the Galation Church he says something similar.
Galatians 2:20 (KJV)
" I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me".
Whether we describe it as coming into the presence of God, waiting on Him, or knowledge of Him and His Kingdom, the practice of it will change our lives for the better. When we get to know a friend intimately, the relationship blossoms. When we draw nearer to God, our relationship with Him blossoms too.
Psalms 73:28 (KJV)
" But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works".
Think of what happens when we get to know God more intimately by seeking His presence regularly--grace, favor, blessings, anointing, and so much more .
James 4:8 (KJV)
" Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you."
Listing of past Food for Thoughts
