His Presence
Knowing and practicing are two very different things. You can know it is better to eat healthy foods, but practicing what you know is a very different thing. You can know it is better to live within your financial means, but practicing what you know is a very different thing. I bring this up this morning because I want to remind you of something that I know that you know, but practicing it is a very different thing.
Here it is, you know that God is always with you, but do you actually practice the presence of God? Several hundred years ago there was a Monk named Brother Lawrence. Brother Lawrence wrote several letters to friends throughout the years and a common theme emerged in his letters, that is, an awareness of the presence of God. Brother Lawrence’s letters were collected and put in book form under the title “Practicing the Presence of God.”
The book itself is not that great of a read as there is no plot, mystery, or thrilling ending. However, within the pages of the book you find a very real awareness on the part of Brother Lawrence of God’s presence not only in his life, but in the life of those to whom he wrote. He reminds his friends to think of the Lord’s presence throughout the day. He calls on those to whom he wrote to remember constantly that the Holy Spirit is always living within them.
Practicing the presence of God is something that we all need to be reminded of daily. How would your life change if you truly believed that Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, is always with you? Here is the truth. He hears every word. He knows every thought. He cries with you. He laughs with you. He prays with you. He sings with you. He works with you. He protects you. He directs your steps. He is intimately involved in your life. Where ever you are, there He is also. You have never been outside of His presence.
Are you practicing God’s presence? I encourage you to do so today and everyday. Remind yourself, “The Lord is here.” Talk to Him like you would your best friend. Set aside the religion and allow the Lord to become a real person in your life, not just a Sunday morning relic.
Blessings,
Pastor Gary
