My heart aches to understand that there are those who seldom enjoy time with God; those who feel puzzled when others speak of ‘feeling His touch’ or ‘hearing His voice.’ God is a personal God, desperately desiring to connect with us. My greatest sadness is not for those who reject God but for those striving to “DO” something to get closer to Him. Just as Paul said to the crowds in Rome, “He is never far from you.” Entering into His presence is a possibility any time!
Made in the image of God–body, soul and spirit–seeking Him involves all aspects of us. Frankly, we are the barrier to enjoying God. On the physical level, busy-ness is the biggest blockade. Even if the activities are God-oriented, busyness prevents real interaction the Father. Vigilance that prioritizes private God-time is critical. Fellowship with Christians, “church,” is part of the plan of God as well. We must enjoy His presence individually and corporately. If your church orchestrates details of every service, make it your personal ambition to enter the presence of God in those details. He is still there; help others find Him by letting His light flood you!
Other physical world things that can keep from God are seeking pleasures from the world instead of him. Over-eating is an easy example for many of us. Stress and fatigue drive me to comfort foods on a regular basis. God asks to be my Bread of Life. Each of us will have areas of weakness the Spirit can reveal. Ask God what in the physical world separates you from Him. Any physical sin (any sin for that matter) will separate us from God. They are idolatry; things we prefer to the presence of God. Refuse to let your body keep you from the Creator!
Then there is that soul part of us: our mind, will and emotions. Much of the battle of life takes place in the mind. We are to renew our minds with the Word. That is not a dry, wearisome task—even if you never liked reading anything! Technology gives you amazing options to listen or watch the Word. Find a way to get Truth from the Word into your mind because that changes everything! Emotions flow from our thoughts, and actions come out of our emotions. Spending time in the Word is not optional, nor is it an item to check off from a ‘to do’ list.
Engage your heart and your mind with His words and you will feel His presence—and He will empower you to exercise your will and obey Him. It is different than just ‘spending time in the Word’; it must be time with God! For
Let the Children Come
We are all children!
me, an avid ‘student’—and self-professed geek, enjoying God through reading and writing is easy—it is my design. Thoughts serve as propulsion jets shooting me toward the Father. I may pause to gaze in awe at His beauty; I may ask a question for clarification from Him or dig into a word study for more thought jets. Seek His heart as you read and even if it is not your default design, He will meet you!
Don’t stop there! Keep seeking. Find new ways to enter His glory, unique ways based on how He created you! Find a mentor who can listen to your heart and help you hear the things God is speaking into your life.
Consider using music. Scripture-based music helps me lay down the ‘soulish’ parts of self and enjoy Him. It quiets my busy mind and lets me focus on feeling God. On the other hand, some find their soul so engaged in music, they fail to connect with God. Make Him the priority. Continually seek His presence. Be attentive for Him. He promises to be found. Do not give up. God is not distant but imminently, impressively real!
I’ll leave you with one final tool that works for me when the press of life feels too weighty. I go for a walk. It helps me synchronize my overused mind and underused body. The magnitude of creation, the details and activity of nature quietly working mostly unnoticed by busting humanity resets my spirit. To my harm and shame, the stuff of life, the cares of this world, easily stifle the still, small voice of my humble, majestic God. He is ever-present, yet I am blind to Him. A walk—whether on a street or in the windows—engages me with a world bigger than my own. It reminds me of my smallness and floods me with thanksgiving for His love and wisdom.
What works for you to enter the presence of God. Share here, share with others: has there been a song, a book or a worship experience that stands out?
We are to live this life of faith together. God blesses that we can in turn bless another.
If you struggle to find or feel God, zap a note. Let’s talk it through. He loves you beyond measure. He is waiting for you to enjoy being with Him. There is nothing more you need to do to be loved by Him…
Heartsong Ministries 