Abide, wait, remain. These words echo throughout the scriptures for a reason. They hold the key to entering the Spirit and avoiding frustration.
Your approach before God needs a shift in mentality. Consider these words of Jesus:
"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me."
-John 15:4 (NKJV)
This verse encapsulates it all. To truly connect with God, approach Him with a mindset of abiding, waiting, and remaining. It grants you the privilege to stand in awe of God. Yet, this awe is often tarnished by our impatience, our empty petitions, and repetitive words. Instead, approach with patience, ready to bask in His presence, wordlessly.
The stream listed below dives deeper into this subject. Feel free to watch and learn starting at the 1-hour 49-minute mark:
Abiding in God's presence involves a deep, intimate, and continuous connection with Him. Here are some ways to abide in God's presence:
Prayer and Meditation: Spend time in prayer, not just asking for things, but also listening to God. Meditate on His Word and let it dwell richly in you.
Worship: Engage in genuine worship. Sing praises, play worshipful music, and let your heart be fully devoted to God.
Reading Scripture: Regularly read and reflect on the Bible. Allow God's words to speak to your heart and guide your thoughts.
Silence and Solitude: Spend moments in silence, away from distractions. In the quiet, you can often hear God's voice more clearly.
Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Thank God for both the big and small things in your life. Gratitude opens your heart to His presence.
Confession and Repentance: Regularly confess your sins and repent. A pure heart can more fully experience God's presence.
Service: Serve others in love and humility. Jesus said that whatever you do for the least of His brothers and sisters, you do for Him.
Community: Be part of a faith community. Engaging with fellow believers provides accountability, support, and opportunities to experience God's presence collectively.
Practicing God's Presence: Practice the presence of God in your everyday life. Acknowledge His presence with you in all situations and activities.
Fasting: Fasting, when done with a prayerful and purposeful heart, can enhance your spiritual sensitivity and draw you closer to God.
Graciousness and Forgiveness: Forgive others as God has forgiven you. Let go of grudges and anger, embracing the grace that God has shown you.
Listening: Be still and listen. God speaks in various ways, and sometimes, it's in the whispers of your heart or through unexpected circumstances.
Remember, abiding in God's presence is not about following a rigid routine but about having a living relationship with Him. It's about being aware of His presence in every moment of your life and allowing Him to shape your thoughts, actions, and attitudes.
Feel free to explore more videos on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisGarcia.
Comments