PRACTICING THE PRESENCE OF JESUS
Psalm 10:4 In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
When we read this it saddens our heart to think that this is true, but just the same we know it is. The reason is that for each of us the world consumed our thoughts and hearts desires too. Just think how it must hurt God! After all God did not make creation for his entertainment as we might have fish in a bowl. While creation is certainly enjoyment for God, it is much more than just a pastime. Humanity was created with the intention to be able have a personal, intimate relationship with God. God even created humanity in his likeness. Like God we are capable to experience love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control, and this is not just in an inward experience, but outward especially towards God.
How many times have we allowed ourselves to become possessed by our possessions? It happens in so many ways that they will rob us of our most wonderful blessing and that is our relationship with the Lord. The thing is we don’t have to allow it to happen. We can include the Lord in every aspect of our life. Whether at work or relaxing at home we can practice the presence of the Lord. We don’t have to speak out loud for him to hear us. We can talk to him in a crowded elevator or sitting at our desk at work. We can talk to him while changing diapers or sitting at a ball game. No matter where we are at or what we are doing we can include Jesus in it all. The thing is it starts with a desire and then a thought.
We know that the world has very little desire to include Jesus in their day, but why don’t we. After all we are the Bride of Christ. God the Heavenly Father sees us as his children. God is always ready to fellowship with us. Sometimes we need a reminder of our priorities. We have all sorts of things we use to do this with our everyday schedules. When I was young people would tie a string around their wrist or finger, then it became a rubber band. People use sticky notes with all sorts of colors, notes on calendars and now we have cell phones. The other day I was riding in our son’s car with his family and he told his wife to remind him to do something and she quickly replied, “Put it on you phone.” That sounded like a smart thing to do if I could only figure out how to use my phone.
I think it all boil down to priority. If we want something bad enough we don’t need a sticky note, rubber band, cell phone or even someone else to remind us to do something. If we really want something we will have it constantly on our mind and can’t wait to do it or receive it. If we ordered that new fishing reel and our fishing trip is in five days, we will be checking the mailbox every day in anxious expectation. That’s how it should be with our spending our day with the Lord. Instead of waking up and saying, “Oh, God another day,” it could turn into saying, “Hey Lord, we got another day!”
It’s all a matter of perspective and desire isn’t it? I know the world will often say, “Christians are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good”, but that is far from the truth. The more a Christian will go through their day practicing the presence of Jesus, the better job they will do and the nicer they will be around. The world doesn’t know or love Jesus, so we can understand why in their thoughts they have no room for Jesus. The question why don’t most Christians?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we are sorry when we leave you at church on Sunday morning, and never include you in our moment by moment events of our day. Please help us to make you a priority in our life, and not just a type of Sugar Daddy we go to when we need something. We do love you Jesus, please help us to act like it. We ask this in your holy name.
