February 27

Practising The Presence Of God

Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. — Phil 4:5-6 BSB

The word "anxiety" comes from the same root as "anger," and carries the idea of choking. Worry chokes the life of faith. It does not help us overcome our difficulties but makes us less capable of handling them. No weapon formed against us will prosper; every tongue that rises against us in judgment will be condemned. Our bread shall be given, and our water shall be sure. God will perfect what concerns us, and His goodness and mercy will never cease. Roll your burdens onto the Lord and leave them there. Too often, we take them back again!

As autumn evenings darken, we light our lamps earlier, or switch on the light, and instantly, the darkness disappears. Similarly, let us keep a smile on our faces. Just as we take off our heavy, rain-soaked clothes when entering a house, let us leave our anxieties with God before resuming our path.

The Lord is near! Repeat these words often, whether in the commonplaces of life or while awaiting His return. Say them when trouble arises between you and others, when irritation tempts you to react sharply, or when worries start to weigh on you. Repeat it until you feel His presence, as the morning light rises within you. Practice the Presence of God! Hold fellowship with Him, even amid business and daily toil. Frequently lift your heart into His presence. There is a difference between intellectual faith and spiritual fellowship. We must rise above intellectual understanding into spiritual union with God. Our goal is not to stir a fleeting emotion but to surrender our hearts entirely to Him. Not the rapture of the mystic, but the steady consciousness of union with God’s will. This is the Heavenly Paradise we can experience here and now, by His grace, walking with Him in joyful fellowship as Enoch did of old.

Prayer

We don’t ask for health or long life, Father; we offer all our days to You. You have numbered them, and we ask for nothing more. All we ask is to stay faithful to You. Whether we live or die, we belong to You. Amen.