Practicing the presence of God (b) continued
Our lives are or ought to be lives of fellowship with God and each other (koinonia) and is a sharing of lives and so we must become more aware of God and His people.
Assuming by now, that we agree that it is desirable to be increasingly aware of God’s presence, the obvious question is, how do you do it?
Is it simply a matter of more; prayer, bible study, praise and worship and actual fellowship with Him whilst not petitioning Him. Well, all of this is desirable, and you will be blessed in it and for it. But how can we become aware of God's presence in our everyday life including work, chores and tasks?
Matthew 22:35-40
v.37 Jesus said unto him, thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Part of loving God with all your being, must be to do everything out of a love motive for Him.
So according to Bro. Lawrence every task that he performed, peeling the vegetables, fetching the water, heating the soup, he would dedicate it to God.
Lord, because I love you, I will prepare this meal for my brothers (whom you love).
Lord, out of love for you I will do this ironing! (To meet a need for people whom you love).
Brother Lawrence even got beyond this and would pick up a flower out of love to God.
1 Cor 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
The above tasks and duties are common everyday things and not particularly spiritual (unless communion).
Anything we do should bring glory to God i.e. give honour or praise to Him.
When we give thanks for our food, we glorify God. Recognising that it comes from Him and he gives us the grace to enjoy it.
Thanksgiving brings His presence into each event in a special way.
If we thank Him for our car, house etc. recognising His supply, He is glorified.
Those present immediately become aware of His presence or at least of His existence.
And what about thanking God for difficult people/situations? (a greater place of maturity!).
Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Commit everything to the Lord in prayer. He will give you success.
Invite God into all that you do (particularly any new project or venture) whether spiritual or secular.
Not only will you be blessed by your increased awareness of Him, but He will prosper the venture because you committed it to Him.
If you have a party, make out your first invitation to God. God is omnipresent so really it is just a question of our awareness.
Summary If like Bro. Lawrence you want to live constantly in the presence of God which brings fullness of joy then practice these 3 things.
1. Commit every task to Him (invite Him in).
2. Thank him for his supply and provision.
3. Perform each task because you love Him and do it in a way that brings honour God.
Amen
Prayer
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