Constant Awareness

CONSTANT AWARENESS

a prayer to open

Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true.

Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true.

Only fools say in their hearts,

“There is no God.”

They are corrupt, and their actions are evil;

not one of them does good!

The LORD looks down from heaven

on the entire human race;

he looks to see if anyone is truly wise,

if anyone seeks God.

But no, all have turned away;

all have become corrupt.

No one does good,

not a single one!

Will those who do evil never learn? . . .

Terror will grip them,

for God is with those who obey him.

The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed,

but the LORD will protect his people. . . .

When the LORD restores his people,

Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.

Most of us would never say, “There is no God.” In fact, we are reading God’s Word and seeking to hear from him because we believe there is a God. We would describe him as loving, faithful, and powerful. We call ourselves followers of Jesus, who we believe is God incarnate, God in the flesh. The question for us is not whether we would say there is a God but this: Do we live as though there is a God? If an outside observer examined our decisions, relationships, actions, words, thoughts, and attitudes, would they come to the conclusion that we are seeking after God, believing he exists and is present here and now, working good, and available and willing to help us? This psalm suggests that when we deny God’s active presence in the world by the way we live, we might as well scream out, “There is no God!” How might our lives be shaped if we lived in the constant awareness of God’s presence?

• Read this passage again slowly. What word or phrase stands out to you? Why do you think that particular word or phrase speaks to you? What does it say?
• In what area of your life have you all but said, “There is no God,” with your actions and attitudes? Take a moment, remembering you are in God’s loving presence, to confess that reality to him. Listen for his word of assurance that you are forgiven.
• What barriers seem to keep you from being aware of God’s presence and work in the world? What practices or habits might you adopt so that you can seek after him in every aspect of your life?

Remind me of your presence, Lord. Open my eyes to where you are working in the world and inviting me to participate. I want to be among the wise—among those who seek after you in every aspect of their lives. Show me where I’m holding you at bay, keeping my distance, and asserting my independence. Make me more dependent, increasingly surrendered, and ever mindful of the restoration you are bringing forth. Amen.