Practicing the Presence of God
Scripture Foundation
Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three gather in my name, I am there among them." Colossians 3:2-3 reminds us to "set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Hebrews 13:5-6 encourages us to "keep our lives free from the love of money and be content with what we have" and "because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" Psalm 139:1-4 affirms that God is always present with us, saying, "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?"
Main Content
Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in a powerful way. It could be a moment of peace, comfort, or guidance. Write down the details of that experience in your journal. What were you doing? Who was with you? What did you feel? How did it make you feel about God?
Now, take a few minutes to quiet your mind and focus on your breath. Imagine yourself in that moment again, reliving the emotions and sensations. Ask yourself: "Where was God in that moment?" How did He show up? What did He say to you? How did He make Himself known to you?
Learning Objectives
- Identify the importance of recognizing God's presence in daily life as stated in Matthew 18:20.
- Explain how to cultivate a mindset focused on Christ, as instructed in Colossians 3:2-3.
- Demonstrate an awareness of God's constant presence in various situations, as described in Psalm 139:1-4.
- Apply the principle of trusting God's presence in uncertain circumstances, as encouraged in Hebrews 13:5-6.
- Reflect on personal experiences of feeling God's presence and record them in a journal.
Application Steps
- Set aside time each day to reflect on your experiences and interactions with God. Write them down in a journal.
- Ask yourself questions like "Where was God in this moment?" or "What did He say to me?" to deepen your understanding of His presence.
- Practice mindfulness and meditation to cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence throughout your day.
Reflection Questions
How have you experienced God's presence in your life recently? Write down specific examples and how they made you feel.