The Power of God’s Presence

Recently I listened to a sermon by the pastor of the Village Church, Matt Chandler. He shared with this church what a “Day in the Life” of their pastor looked like. When it was all said and done, he suggested that each person consider one step towards deepening their relationship with Christ. He warned that if a person tried to do everything at once they would likely stumble and ultimately give up (I’m paraphrasing here).

One of the steps he shared was how he prayed for his day while he was in the car. This is a simple step and a core element of personal-discipleship. Recently, I began doing just that. I have about 8-10 minutes of personal time between our girls’ school and the office. Typically I listen to music, make a phone call, or catch on ESPN radio. However, this simple task of prayer has changed my days.

I’ve learned to take each meeting, each interaction, and each daily surprise before the Lord in prayer early on. What I’ve discovered is that by the time I arrive to the office, or that meeting, or unscheduled encounter – Jesus is already there and waiting for me. This is poetic of course. But the reality is I’m learning to put every action, thought, and word into perspective.

What stuck out to me this morning was when I prayed, “Lord, forgive me when I fail to make decisions without considering Your plan for me. To make a choice without Your consideration is foolishness. I don’t want to be a fool.”

Those words just rolled off of my tongue and stung me directly in the heart. I knew in that moment that I wasn’t only seeking guidance for the day but I was confessing sin that I hadn’t considered before.

God’s presence has a way of doing that to us! I think of Paul on the road to Damascus, he’s confronted with Jesus and immediately falls “prostrate” to the ground. Without diving too deep, you need to know that being “prostrate” through scripture is a position of worship. In other words, Paul saw Jesus and his first response was a posture of worship!

I think of Thomas. He doubted the resurrection of Christ. But the moment he saw Him, he believed!

God’s presence reveals our sins, directs our paths, brings comfort, joy, peace, and assurance. God’s presence relieves fear and gives strength.

I’m ashamed that I didn’t consider prayer-time during my commute. But I’m grateful for the encouragement of Pastor  Chandler. So let me encourage you as well. Consider God’s presence in every moment of your life. Seek His guidance, will, and wisdom.