5 Ways to Experience His Presence

In this world of go, go, go and do, do, do, it's easy to drift far from the One who holds us secure. The One who goes before us, stands at our right hand and has the ability to keep us from being shaken. The following verse has grown very dear to me:

"I have set the Lord always before me.

Because He is at my right hand,

I will not be shaken."

~ Psalm 16:8 ~

Following this verse are listed a few benefits of setting the Lord before us.

• my heart will be glad (v.9)
• my tongue will rejoice in Him (v.9)
• I can find rest physically and emotionally (v.9)
• my life will be preserved (v.10)
• I will not be alone (v.10)
• He will reveal to me His plan for my life (v.11)
• I will find joy (v.11)
• an eternal perspective will always be in the forefront of my mind

Reading over verses 9-11, I realized, I want all those things, Furthermore, I NEED all those things. That made me ponder these questions,

How can I purposely 'set the Lord always before me'? What does this look like in my everyday life?

Here are five ways I have found to encourage more of His presence in my every day. Five ways to establish a more eternal perspective:

1. Read His word.

This one may seem cliche because it's always mentioned in lists like this. However, this is the one most of us struggle with. 

We either put it off because we are so busy. Or we think everything has to be perfect for us to get in His word and to experience His prescence. We claim to need no distractions, have nothing else to do, or we have to be awake enough, tired enough, or needing to rest just a little so we don't feel guilty about sitting and reading. Maybe, we haven't done it in a while so guilt sets in and that just makes the whole commitment even harder.

May I just debunk all that?

If we aren't purposeful about opening His word, you can bet the enemy will be purposeful about working his evil purpose in your heart, home and life.

So, even when you can't find that quiet spot or that quiet moment, open his word. At times like this I choose Psalms or Proverbs, because it's easy to jump in wherever, read a few verses, and walk away with a renewed focus. 

Even when you're exhausted, open His word. Again, Psalms and Proverbs work great for times like this.

Even when you feel guilt for not reading, open His word. Be brave. Stand before the enemy and the white flag of retreat he wants to offer you, and open the Lord's word. God won't condemn you. He will open you with open arms as you open His life giving book. Just do it.

And laugh at the enemy.

Yes, I'm going to suggest finding a time to read more. Let Him convict you on that. He knows your days better than you do. Listen to Him carefully. He will help you find a time.

2. Focus on the good.

Our God is only good. Why should we focus on anything else?

When we focus on the good, we will find more good.

Focusing on good will also keep our minds from being cluttered. When we have a clear mind, we are able to practice self-control more efficiently. Pairing a cleared mind with self control will enable you to pray more effectively, strengthening your relationship with Him.

"be clear minded

and self-controlled

so that you can pray."

~ 1 Peter 4:7 ~

3. Find a prayer partner.

This has helped me greatly. Not just having someone to pray FOR me, but having someone to pray FOR. When we do for others we develop a greater concern for them, and that gets us out of our "poor me", "all is doom and gloom" box.

More importantly, the prayers of others build a protecting wall around you to divert the fiery darts of the enemy. 

You need that. So find a trusted friend to be your prayer partner.

4. Write His word on your walls.

Placing His words on your walls brings His presence into your home like no other. It will have a positive effect all who enter, and most importantly yourself and your family.

"Fix these words of Mine...

on the door frames of your houses

and on your gates."

~Deuteronomy 11:18-21~

5. Be still.

I am currently developing this habit; this strategy to set the Lord before. I hope to establish it to an every day practice, by adding it to my reading time, but its hard for me. Those of you who know me best, know I can't sit still very long. I love going. I must be doing. I thrive on accomplishing tasks.

So being still one has been tough for me to do, nevertheless, I have grown to love it. I hope you try this sometime.

After reading and dwelling on verses like,

"Be still and know that I am God." 

(Ps.46:10) 

and 

"The Lord will fight for you; 

you need only be still." 

(Ex.14:14) 

I felt compelled to do the 'being still' part in the physical sense, not just seeking to do it in the spiritual sense.

So, I sit. 

I hold still. I refuse to think on pressing matters. I watch my garden grow. I watch a sunrise or sunset. I watch the wind blow. I silence my going. I silence my doing. I only sit. I breathe. I feel. I listen. 

He comes. He sits. We wait. 

I rest. He strengthens. 

I listen. Sometimes, He speaks. Most-times, He doesn't. 

But, always, He comes. 

Always, He strengthens. 

Always, He renews.

Always.

Doing this the first few times was hard. But, doing this has renewed my focus on God and His greatness in many ways. This practice has assured me that He is always at my right hand and I need not be shaken.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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