Practicing the Presence of God
Scripture Foundation
In Matthew 18:20, Jesus reminds us that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is present among them. This truth underscores the significance of prayer and community in our walk with God.
Psalm 16:11 declares, "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand, eternal pleasures." This verse invites us to delight in the Lord's presence and find joy in His company.
Colossians 3:2-3 reminds us to set our minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. This mindset enables us to live a life hidden with Christ in God, experiencing the blessings of His presence.
Hebrews 13:5-6 encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. By doing so, we'll be able to endure the trials of life and experience the peace that comes from His presence.
Main Content
As we seek to practice the presence of God, we must begin by acknowledging His omnipresence. Recognize that He is always with you, guiding you through life's journey.
Set aside time each day for prayer and meditation. This could be as simple as taking a few minutes to reflect on God's goodness or reading a Psalm or passage from Scripture. The key is to be intentional about seeking His presence.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the importance of Jesus' presence in the lives of believers according to Matthew 18:20.
- Demonstrate a daily habit of seeking God's presence through prayer and meditation for one week.
- Explain how being 'hidden with Christ in God' (Colossians 3:3) affects one's relationship with God.
- Apply the principle of 'fixing one's eyes on Jesus' (Hebrews 12:2) to daily decision-making for one week.
- Describe the benefits of 'delighting in the Lord' (Psalm 16:11) in one's daily life.
Application Steps
- Step 1: Set aside time each day for prayer and meditation, focusing on God's presence in your life.
- Step 2: Reflect on the blessings of being 'hidden with Christ in God' (Colossians 3:3) and how it affects your relationship with Him.
- Step 3: Fix your eyes on Jesus throughout your day, trusting in His guidance and wisdom.
- Step 4: Delight in the Lord by focusing on His goodness and character, finding joy in His presence.
Reflection Questions
What are some ways you can practically apply the concept of Jesus' presence in your daily life? How does being 'hidden with Christ in God' affect your relationship with Him?