“Prayer
is nothing else than a sense of God’s presence” (Brother
Lawrence).
In
the midst of crisis or change, Christ is with me. In the midst of the
storm, He is my safe harbor. He keeps me from the breakers that would
crush me. But He is more than just a secure sanctuary. He is my
strength to not only endure, but to overcome. I can never fear change
when He never changes. He is the one great constant in my life–the
same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). As I give Him my
fearful heart, His peace calms my restless spirit (Philippians
4:6-7). Abiding in Him, He claims my thoughts and I discover that I,
too, can be strong. I can be steadfast and unchanging. I can know His
peace that carries me through the hardships of life.
The
presence of the Holy Spirit in my life must be practiced. I need to
seek Him daily in prayer until His presence becomes like a
habit–unconsciously rendered. I unconsciously learn to “pray
without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). He is just “there” at
the moment I need Him. He is just “there” in moments of sudden
fear when, without Him, my world would cave. But practicing His
presence has brought His immediate peace in that moment. My heart has
prayed unconsciously and He has heard its cry.
I
don’t know always know how to give Him my suffering and fear, but
the Holy Spirit intercedes for me (Romans 8:26). He prays my heart’s
cry when I am unable to mentally render a thought. It is in a moment
like this that I understand His peace. I have practiced His presence
until He is always with me–unconsciously and consciously. I may go
through my busy day with no problem, and my conscious mind is busy
with my schedule and my list. Suddenly I hear something that shatters
my world, and the Holy Spirit immediately arises from the depth of my
unconscious spirit to calm my mind. Practicing His presence has
brought His peace.
Do
you have that sense of God's presence? He is right there with you
speaking peace in the midst of your storm, but you may not realize
it. If you will pray and practice His presence everyday, He will go
with you consciously and unconsciously through the days of your life
rendering peace for the hardships of life, and joy for the times you
need encouragement. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every
situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your
requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”
(Philippians 4:6-7, NIV). You are never alone. Practicing His
presence brings His presence.
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