Over the weekend, I read something from Bill Yount that I one hundred percent agree with. He said, “I sense the Lord saying, “I would promote My people more if it didn’t take them away from Me. Stay below the radar.”
I know this to be true from experience. I have had seasons of intense intimacy with the presence of the Lord in my life. During those times promotion often comes. However, most of the time, with promotions comes busyness.
When the whirlwind of busyness sweeps into our lives, it can easily divert our focus from the presence of God, shifting our attention to the myriad of blessings and promotions He has graciously bestowed upon us. It’s a delicate balance we must navigate. In our daily lives, responsibilities pile up like an insurmountable mountain, each task demanding our time and energy. As we tackle this endless to-do list, we often find ourselves drained and sapped of strength.
By the day’s end, fatigue wraps around us like a heavy blanket, leaving us too weary and distracted to seek the solace found in the presence of the Lord. Our conversations with Him become mere whispers of hurried prayers before we succumb to sleep, barely grazing the surface of the deep communion that could replenish our souls. Those precious moments spent in His company—times that might have nurtured the very blessings that grace our lives—are cast aside. This neglect is not just a missed opportunity; it’s a perilous and slippery slope that can lead us away from the heart of what truly sustains us.
A pastor friend of mine once shared a thought that resonated deeply within me. He said, “Avoid merely teetering on the brink of humility, for when you stand at that precarious edge, you risk slipping into pride. Instead, strive to dwell in the center of humility, where it is sturdy and grounded. By choosing this centered path, you create a vast chasm that would require considerable effort to leap into pride.”
Those words have stuck with me for many years. I believe it is the same truth regarding the presence of God.
We cannot dwell on the precarious edge of merely spending moments in the presence of God. To do so is to risk slipping into the shadows of neglect, where our connection with God and His presence wanes. Instead, let us anchor our lives around communion with God, making it our very center. When we immerse ourselves in this sacred center, we discover a sanctuary of tranquility, shielded from the relentless pull of distractions and the chaotic whirl of busyness that often surrounds us. In this divine embrace, we find not only peace but also strength to navigate the storms of life.
Life is busy, especially for those who have children at home. There is so much going on, I can only imagine how difficult it would be to set aside quiet time with the Lord.
It is the same with work and ministry. It seems to take up much of our time. Someone always needs something.
Even so, the times in the presence of the Lord are not negotiable. They are an absolute necessity if we are to walk in all God has for us.
There are so many blessings that come with spending time in the presence of the Lord…here are a few.
In His presence is fullness of joy! (Ps 16:11)
We receive protection from dwelling in God’s presence. Staying in His presence brings us under His shadow of protection. (Ps 91:1)
We have rest in His presence. (Ex 33:14)
His presence melts away every mountain; every obstacle and hindrance before us, and every satanic plan for our lives. (Ps 97:5)
We have forever changed and transformed in His presence. (2 Cor 3:18)
My friend, to walk in the above-mentioned blessings, only one thing is required…spending time in the presence of the Lord.
Carve out moments each day to immerse yourself in His divine presence. As you dedicate this sacred time, you’ll find that blessings and promotions may soon unfold in your life. Yet, when these opportunities arise, be steadfast and ensure that they do not disrupt your cherished moments in His presence. By prioritizing these intimate encounters with God, and placing them at the core of your existence, you will be transformed profoundly. The essence of your life will shift in ways you cannot yet imagine; everything around you will take on a new light, and you will never return to what it once was.
