Practicing the presence of God
Sophie - September 16, 2008
For the last year I've been in a weekly Bible study with about eight other women. We range in age from 30-something to 60-something, and the fact that we're at different stages in life has been a huge blessing. Being able to soak up the wisdom of women who have already walked this sometimes rocky road of parenting is a major encouragement to me.
For instance, right now I'm trying to write this post while a certain five year-old is screaming about Star Wars in the background, but I'm not complaining because I know my sweet Bible study buddy MJ - who is now a grandmother of four - would tell me to treasure every single second of my precious little man's tendency to speak in surround sound.
So anyway.
Last week our group started Anointed Transformed Redeemed, and y'all, it is GOOD. Even though I was in Nashville for the Deeper Still event where this study was recorded, I watched the first DVD session like I had never seen it before.
The word was still fresh. That's all I'm sayin'.
This week's homework has focused on how God establishes and equips us for our callings, and something on Day Two really jumped out at me. Priscilla Shirer writes: "Think about your season of life and...come up with a list of practical suggestions that you can incorporate into everyday living to assist you in being constantly aware of God's presence."
The first thing that popped into my mind? Worship music. It is HUGE for us. I cannot overemphasize how it changes the tone of our time in the car. In addition to that, it's led to some pretty cool discussions with the little guy who rides in the backseat. I also try to find chunks of time throughout the day when I can listen to worship music on my iPod because it makes such a big difference in my attitude...it has a way of snapping all my petty frustrations right back into perspective.
So what about you? What helps you to be aware of God's presence in the midst of your daily responsibilities?
And if you say that you're a retired empty-nester who now has countless hours to sit and look at a large body of water and think about Jesus, those of us who have young kids or demanding jobs (or both) won't even be jealous.
Okay. We may be jealous just a little bit.
But still. We're all ears.
Melanie
Melanie
Sophie
Sophie
Pam
Pam
Paige
Paige
Kris
Kris
Comments (8)
I agree fully with you that worship music is such a HUGE help! Another thing I have been doing since the Beth Moore simulcast is picking one main verse from my morning devotions and write that on a sticky note. I take the sticky note with me - if I am at home I hang it in the kitchen, if I am at work I carry it with me. Then throughout the day I reread that verse and focus on what it means to me and pray that verse over and over. Another idea would be to set the timer on your cell phone to go off and that could remind you to focus on God.
For those that weren’t able to be at the simulcast Beth spoke on letting the Word grow roots - Satan wants to snatch it away and she talked about writing it down and carrying it with you throughout the day so that it can “take root”.
Posted on September 17, 2008 8:44 AM
So this is kind of a gross example (I’m sorry!), but it helps me.
My daughter (4 months) spits up all the time. So recently instead of grumbling about it as I reach for another burp cloth, I think in my head “Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” I don’t know about you girls, but I need those particular words of Jesus infiltrating my day!
Plus I think when you’re trying to memorize scripture, any visual cues you have around you on a regular basis can help you recall it.
I can’t wait to see all the other advice!
Posted on September 17, 2008 10:43 AM
I loved the Nashville Deeper Still The message that was brought that weekend was profound I can only imagine what the Bible Study is like :) I might have to do that study next As far as what gets me to focus on God it would definitely be music and scripture Both can completely transfrom my mood and moment Thanks for the heads up Sophie Kim
Posted on September 17, 2008 11:37 AM
The thing that makes me most aware of God’s presence in my life is definitely worship music. And when I can listen to that on my Ipod while taking a walk, it is even better. Seems like the world can be a pretty noisy place and not just physical noise, but thinking about the next thing you have to do or the next place you must go. Those beautiful words of worship music that speak about God’s love definitely bring it all into perspective.
Recently on a trip home from Missouri to visit our son and daughter-in-law, my husband took a little nap. I was listening to Charles Billingsley singing, “I Bowed On My Knees and Cried Holy”. When he got to the part after seeing Timothy where he belts out, “I want to see Jesus!”, I sang it with him with all the enthusiasm I could muster. He would have been proud, I’m sure! Worship music just speaks to me and makes me speak it back to the One who died for me!!!
Posted on September 17, 2008 1:13 PM
Nah, I won’t be jealous. I’ll just be askin when they can babysit!
Worship music absolutely. In the car, at work, on the elliptical trainer… pretty much from (pre) dawn to (very past) dusk.
I also start my day in the word as a quiet time, then do my study later on in the day, like during lunch.
I have 2 devos that I get via email that I can also look to. One of them is really neat and is written from God’s perspective. Like it’s just a little email reminder from the Father. LOVE IT! Very “Shack”-esque.
~Donna
Posted on September 17, 2008 2:01 PM
Ok. I totally agree about the worship music! I have an awful day if it’s not started with a Praise the Lord Session during my shower. My makeup and hair never look right.
Anyway, I’m excited to hear that you’re enjoying the new study on David. We’re starting it tomorrow and I am super pumped!
Posted on September 17, 2008 2:07 PM
totally in sync with you guys on the worship music. It really helps turn my focus back on Jesus and away from the craziness that is my day. Plus, if I put my iPod in…and I turn it up real loud, it doesn’t matter if the kids are yellin at each other, or at me for that matter, cause I can’t hear them!
Posted on September 17, 2008 9:10 PM
Hey Sophie,
Great insights, great post! Lovin’ it!
I’ve been wrapped up in a deeply enriching study on the Song of Songs and seeking the Lord intimately as His Bride.
My heart cry all year has been to be completely known to Him and to know Him completely - deeper. richer. more. more. MORE.
Well, now I am in the Song of Songs study and this crazy thing called “Stepping Up” maybe you heard of it… Stepping up to the next level of intimacy and relationship with God. You may have heard of the author, Beth Moore. Or maybe it’s just me!
Anyway - Face down, my friend that is where I am and totally amazed at what He shows me in those times when I soak in His presence.
A couple of reads worth the subject of Presence - “God’s Pursuit of Man” by A W Tozer and “The Practice of His Presence with Spiritual Maxims” by Brother Lawrence. Man, just soak in it - His Presence… ain’t nothing sweeter than being immersed in our beautiful Lord.
Blessings.
Posted on September 19, 2008 12:04 AM