Soaking Up God’s Presence

Are you aware of God’s presence? It’s easy to miss sometimes. Especially when we’re focused on other things like our trials, our goals, or our exhaustion.

As are so many others in this recession, my family has been fighting a long and very emotional battle with unemployment. With God’s prompting, I wrote a book about it. And now I’m tired. So. Very. Tired.

It’s common practice for me to fuel my spiritual tank with daily time devoted to God. This precious time is valuable. It’s time for me to soak up God’s presence, worship Him, pray, read the word, and listen quietly for His guidance. Not only does this time energize my spirit but it energizes my heart and my creativity too. More importantly, the peace of Christ covers me.

Except lately, God has taken a back seat to the busyness of my To Do list. The result has been a cranky, impatient, nervous, and emotionally worn-out wife and mommy. I didn’t mean for it to happen this way. I never do.

This time my excuses were the rush of Christmas and New Years, family and church obligations, and writing and publishing the book He called me to complete.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. ~Mark 1:35

I need God daily. I know I can’t be at my best in any role I’ve been blessed with if I’m not first seeking His Kingdom. When my day begins with God, it’s filled with JOY, patience, and love. When I give my time to the Lord, I’m not controlled by fear, worry, anxiety, stress, or anger.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. ~Psalm 136:1

God is good and so faithful. Even when I don’t deserve it, His love endures forever. His grace is poured upon me. He knows what I need, when I need it. Even when I’m not fully present with Him, He is always showing His presence to me…

• in the bright eyes and sweet hug from my daughter.
• in the messiness of my home, confirming it’s well lived in, well played in, and well loved in.
• in an unexpected and promising job opportunity that seems to have been dropped down from Heaven.
• in the tattered, yet comfortable rocking chair which has lulled both of my babies to sleep over the years.
• in the softness of my pillow as I close my eyes for much needed rest and renewal.

Yes, our God is always very present. Even when we aren’t seeking Him. Even when our To Do list gets in the way. And especially when we feel weak or weary, needing Him the most. Thank you, God for your constant grace. May we soak up Your presence in our life today and always.

Rosann is wife to the man of her dreams and stay-at-home mom to two delightful little girls. When she’s not coloring or having energy burning dance parties with her daughters, she can be found  writing for her blog ChristianSuperMom, and marketing her book UnEMPLOYED Faith. Her writing inspiration comes from a strong desire to glorify God while sharing the heart of her journey through a life of faith.