Over time, I’ve increasingly become aware of the importance of abiding in God’s presence. During the periods where I spent a great amount of each day seeking His face, I felt most loved, joyful, peace-filled, strong and able to overcome obstacles. It is as in John 15 where Jesus says “Abide in Me, and I in You“; when I’ve dwelled in His presence, I can feel His presence dwelling in me wherever I go and whomever I encounter!
In spending time with God I can distinguish four aspects, that I will describe shortly. (They can also be found in Ephesians 3:14-21 so I’ve added the corresponding verses).
- Surrender (Eph 3:14-15)
Focus on God’s greatness and it will make your pride and self-centeredness disappear. You realise how small you really are and how desperately you need Him. The notion that you can’t do anything makes you surrender everything: sin, pride, fear, worry. Cast your cares. Lay them all at His feet, He will take care.
James 4:6,7,10 “Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
- Accept His Love and Truth (Eph 3:17-19)
“…and he will lift you up“. He will lift you up! By showing you His abundant grace and lavishing His love on you, filling every corner of your heart! This love casts out fear and brings healing. In this place of trust and safety you can open your heart. Abandon all fear, pain and brokenness to your Heavenly Father to make way for His love and truth. Uproot the lies and unbelief from your heart and let God’s Word be planted inside of you. Being filled with His love is the most beautiful experience you could ever have, you were made for being loved! He dearly loves you.
John 15:9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.”
- Be Strengthened by the Holy Spirit (Eph 3:16)
Let the Holy Spirit do His work in you to fill up your weakness with His strength. Step by step He will shape you so that you will become more like Jesus. Stop trying on your own, start living in the power of the Spirit! Through the work of the Holy Spirit you are being made able to serve your purpose in the Kingdom. Your own strength would die out easily making you feel weak and weary, but God’s strength will make you rise like eagles.
Isaiah 40:31 “But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.”
- Move in Faith and be the Light! (Eph 3:20-21)
By the time you have been renewed and filled with God’s love and strength it makes your heart joyful to share it with others. Abiding in God’s presence stirs up our passion for Him and gives faith to live out our purpose. So go out and be the light!
Matt 5:15,16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
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