Be aware of God's presence

Moses had a massive assignment: liberating two million people from the grip of slavery: leading them through a wilderness where they were exposed to enemies and extreme weather elements; feeding and clothing them, settling disputes, and keeping them moving towards their destination. This is what Moses prayed: 'If your presence does not go with us, do not bring us' (Exodus 33:15 NKJV). Moses preferred to go nowhere with God than anywhere without him. When David's affair with Bathsheba was exposed, he didn't pray, 'Don't take my crown from me, or my kingdom, or my army.' No, he knew what mattered most: 'Do not take your Holy Spirit from me' (Psalm 51:11 NKJV).

To grow spiritually, we must develop an increasing awareness of God's presence in our lives. How do we do that? Instead of being a rock, become a sponge. When we place a rock in water, its surface gets wet but its core remains hard and dry. But when we place a sponge in water, the water permeates its whole being.

When we sense God's presence and know he's with us, we can handle whatever life brings



So what now? Slow down and invite God's presence in. Begin by reading this Scripture, maybe write it down, and repeat it to yourself. Open every pore of your soul to God's presence: 'The Lord your God is with you; the mighty one will save you. He will rejoice over you. You will rest in his love; he will sing and be joyful about you' (Zephaniah 3:17 NCV).





— SCRIPTURE —

'My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.' Exodus 33:14 NKJV
— SOULFOOD —

Deut 18-21, Matt 13:10-23, Ps 78:40-55 , Pro 16:32