Sometimes I find myself being present but not really present. What do I mean? For instance, I am in a group we are having a conversation and then next thing I know I am pondering on all the things...What do I need to get done today? What bills are due? What is my dog doing? Will work be a long day? I wonder if there will be traffic? What am I going to eat?....ect. Then the next thing I know I "come back" to the group and am trying to figure out what we are talking about now.
A few weeks ago during sunday service worship I began praying that we would be present in God's presence, that I would be present in His presence... I truly believe how we act with people around us can reflect how we treat the Lord. What do I mean? Well let me ask some questions. Are you impatient with people and do you find yourself being impatient with the Lord? Do you put on a mask for those around you and do you put on a mask when you speak with the Lord? Do you question the motives of others and do you question the motives of the Lord ?....These are just a few and maybe you have no idea what I am talking about and that's okay. I know for me and my life, I see the correlation.
For about a month-ish I found myself just in a funk. I couldn't place it but there was a heaviness that wouldn't shake off. I began just getting discouraged feeling as though I am just going through the motions of life but for what? While feeling this I also knew these weren't feelings from the Lord. The devil was working overtime but not just that I was allowing myself to walk in the lies. I find in my life, when I am feeling most distracted or weighed down is when I have let the worries of life cloud over my mind. So where was I going wrong? I was present but not present...with who? The Lord. I found myself becoming distracted with the things. So instead of setting aside the worries, the worries were allowed to invade my peace. And let me tell you worries and peace do not mix AND what you set your eyes on most is what will reign in your life.
In Philippians 4:4-9, Paul gives us some advice on standing firm in the Lord. It says in verse 4 "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice". First thing is first, you can't rejoice and worry at the same time, impossible. Verse 5-6 says "Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God". Paul tells us the Lord is near, let others see the effect of His presence in your life. He said to lay your burdens at the feet of Jesus, let him know whats up!.. Oh how good our God is, the one who created all things, knows all things and stills want you to release it all to Him. Then in verse 7 it says "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus". What does Gods peace do? It will keep us, every part of us. Our hearts and minds will be kept safe in His peace. What is peace? "freedom from disturbance; tranquility". So when we rejoice in the Lord, give Him all our worries and concerns, His peace will keep us!.. Verses 8-9 says: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you learned and received and heard and seen in me(Paul)- practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you". Paul tells us what to keep our minds on and that when we do this, when we practice setting our minds on what is true that the God of peace will be with you! These verses are a call to action!
So do you see, I found myself doing the same thing I could do in a group setting but with the Lord. Becoming distracted. I could sit down read the Word, be in a service, or listening to worship music and still not be fully present, becoming distracted by the worries of life. Was the presence of the Lord with me still? Yes but the question is, was I sitting with the Lord fully present? Was I allowing His presence to heal, change, correct or guide me? Or was I too concerned about how I would fix this or that?
As I become fully present in the presence of the Lord something happens. Truth enters and change begins. Hebrews 13:20-21 says "Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back rom the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen". Jesus is starter and finisher, He will accomplish IN US what pleases Him.
Will I take the time to reside in that transformative presence? All through out the Bible, whatever God speaks over, resides in, touches, a transformation happens. Don't believe me? read the stories of the Bible they testify of this transformative presence. Just a few days ago, my mind began to wonder, lies from the devil began to flood in BUT in an instance the Holy Spirit brought to my mind the song "Voice of Truth". So I begin to sing "But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story. The voice of truth says don't be afraid, and the voice of truth says this is for my glory. Out of all the voices calling out to me, I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth!"..And in that moment I went from worrying to rejoicing! And I could have easily missed the moment of truth the Lord had for me if I had decided to dwell in my worries and not choose to be present in Gods presence.
I hope this encourages someone. I want to encourage you to be present with Jesus, be transparent and let His presence bring transformation in your life. Let the God of peace reside over your hearts and mind. Take your eyes off the "things", place your gaze on the one who brings about the change.
Thank-you Lord for your grace Lord. Thank you Jesus for being with me in the storms and sunny days. You will never leave me nor forsake me. Holy Spirit continue to guide me, speak to me and transform my mind. I pray Lord that the peace of God will reside in the lives, homes, hearts and minds of your people. Let us see you Jesus are you are! Lord I love you! Help me to love you more! Give me eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart to Follow.
In Jesus' Name AMEN
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