Living 4 Him

“I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!” Psalm 139:7  (NLT)

This spring my husband and I had the privilege of visiting White Sands National Park in New Mexico.  Its name speaks for itself; the park is completely covered in white sand.  Looking out over immense hills of white sand might not sound so exciting, however, the experience of staring upon the vast expanse of whiteness all around us brought a sense of admiration, wholeness and peace that has stayed with me ever since. 

Thinking upon each grain of sand, billion upon billion, reminded me of the number of descendants that God promised to Abraham in Genesis 22:17, “as many as the stars in the sky and grains of sand upon the seashore.” (CEB)  We inhabit this earth with billions of people, each one with needs to take care of. How does God share every bit of himself with the multitude of people that exist?  The answer lies in the presence of the Spirit.

When Jesus left this earth, there was no doubting his presence would stay.  He stated in Matthew 28:20 “I will be with you always.” Through his presence we keep a constant helper in our corner, matching power and purpose with our individual lives.  In John 10:10 Jesus also told that he had come to bring us life, a life of abundance.  When these two thoughts intersect, we celebrate a completeness that is not only constant, but fills the essence of each soul on earth.

An overflowing bounty to reach our physical and spiritual selves. 

A fullness to encompass the spaces between here and there. 

A bubble of love, joy, peace and goodness that expands, but never breaks.

An abundant presence.

The word “abundant” when translated from the Greek means not only excessive but superior in quality, taking the presence of God’s Spirit to a higher level.  His abundance is sufficient not only to satisfy our personal requirements, but to provide it with utmost excellence.  Hills and hills of white sand reaching high and wide, dispensing the fruits of love and peace, forgiveness and goodness, joy and hope wherever they are needed.

Whether we are aware or not, the Spirit is always present.  However, if we choose to become acutely aware of the Holy Presence and put our trust in the Holy Presence, the Spirit flows more easily into every area of our lives, delivering the blessings God longs to lavish upon us.  

While walking my dog last week, I ventured on a slightly different route than we usually take.  He hesitated as I tried to move on, detecting a change to his normal path.  It took a little convincing to get him to follow me.  And isn’t this our reaction when changes come into our lives?  We hesitate, unsure of what might happen.  Yet, the presence of the Spirit dwells generously in all places, therefore, we need not fear a new path, an unfamiliar route.  God, in all His fullness, with powerful and purposeful energy will be there too.   We can trust His presence to provide.

This comforting prayer was written by James Dillet Freeman in 1941.  Its words convey the everlasting provision of God along with His all-encompassing presence and is definitely worth memorizing.  Be drawn into God’s presence today.

The light of God surrounds me,

The love of God enfolds me,

The power of God protects me,

The presence of God watches over me,

Wherever I am, God is!

Reaching in (allowing God’s word to work in your soul): Explore the 15 verses in this link to read more about the presence of God.15 Bible Verses about the Presence of God

Reaching out (taking God’s word into the world): Use your senses to experience the presence of God. If you could see God’s presence, what would it look like?  Can you see God’s presence around you? If you could hear God’s presence, what would it sound like?  Listen for God’s presence.