Seeking God's presence

podcast: https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/19f9b9fd/seeking-gods-presence-12424

"If only I could touch Jesus!"

Surely you have thought that such a thing.

"Lord, I wish I could sit across from you right now,

look in your eyes, just be in your presence."

Yesterday, I spoke of feeling the hope of God through various aspects of his faithfulness in my life--including his presence. And then came the question, 'Christine, can you tell me more--like, how can I feel God's presence?!' Yes, of course, I can answer that. Step closer.

Matthew includes in his gospel a quote from Isaiah, 'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.1 Immanuel means "God with us." Hmmm ... God with us. Let that settle on you just now--God. with. us. Be still a moment.

Throughout history, the people of God have been assured that God was with them. Remember, Joshua was told by God, 'the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.'2

David wrote of God's presence throughout the psalms, but we can draw the same assurance as David, comforted even if we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, for God is with us.3

And at the end of his earthly life, just before the Lord Jesus ascended into Heaven, he comforted his disciples with these words,

"lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."4

I am wondering . . . do you feel God's presence, do you feel him near?

Here are a few thoughts to consider:

>Look for Him - be aware/anticipate where God might be working around you.

>Ask God to reveal himself to you - Psalm 19 talks about the heavens declaring the glory of God all around us. Look up to the skies, around at creation . . . and listen for his voice.

>Make room for God with a little silence, so that you can hear him.

"God is the friend of silence . . . See how nature, the trees, the flowers, the grass grow in deep silence. See how the stars, the moon and the sun move in silence. The more we receive in our silent prayer, the more we can give in our active life." Mother Teresa

And the simple invitation: "Be still, and know that I am God." GOD, Psalm 46.10

On Sunday afternoon at church, I assisted young families in putting together their own advent wreaths, complete with five candles--one for each week of Advent and then, one white center 'Christmas' candle. One candle for each week, perhaps lighting it each evening at dinner, reading a Scripture verse and prayer, preparing our hearts for the coming Christ child. It is never too early nor too late for such a practice.

Merry Christmas, dear Friends---I pray that you will invite, make room for and discover God's presence like never before.

"Emmanuel" - listen! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPqCP0UiPI0

Christine

1-Matthew 1.23

2-Joshua 1.9

3-Psalm 23.4

4-Matthew 28.20