Experiencing God's Presence #5

Experiencing God's Presence #5

Come close to God . . .

James 4:8

Have you ever looked at a blade of grass, a spider’s web, or a waterfall as an expression of God’s creativity? Have you seen nature’s seasons and trends not for what they are in themselves but for what they reveal of the heart that made them? Have you ever just stopped and noticed the divine dream unfolding around you? All of these—observing creation, listening for whispers of God’s voice or trying to put your finger on His pulse, absorbing the marvels of His world—are means to become more aware of His Presence. When we notice these things, and especially when they spark a conversation with Him, we are drawing close to God.

There are two major aspects in experiencing God’s Presence: increasing our awareness of Him, and His approach to us. The first is our responsibility, the second His. Both are expressed in James 4:8, where we are told to draw close to God and are assured that He will draw close to us. But it’s harder than it seems.

We let busyness distract us from experiencing God. Our daily routines and to-do lists are His rivals for our attention, and we often let them win. He can work in ways that drive us to seek Him, but He would rather that we come to Him because we want to than because He told us to or gave us few other options. Drawing close is meant to be an act of love. And love, if it’s real, is always voluntary.

Your side of the “Presence equation” is to draw near to God. In every way you can imagine, do that. Then see how He responds to you.

Father, I want to notice You—everything about You. I want to stop and notice any evidence of Your work, Your voice, and Your Presence that I can find. As I observe You, please make Yourself even more observable. And draw me close.