This month, my focus is on practicing. If it’s true that we get good at the things we practice, then I want to be intentional about the things I’m practicing. If you missed the two previous posts, you can find them HERE and HERE.
HOW’S IT GOING?
Before we move on to practice #3, I wanted to give you a little peek into what practicing the presence of God looks like in my life.
The best place to start doing life with God is in the small moments. It’s in the everyday, mundane moments.
For me, practicing a “with Jesus” life starts in the morning by the coffee pot as I wait for my first hot cup to brew. It means chatting and smiling with Him about the kids after I drop them off at school. It means turning my heart to Him when I have questions as I study, when I’m annoyed by something someone said on Facebook, or when I’m separating another load of dirty laundry.
Since most of my day is spent at home alone, I like that Jesus is always there to keep me company. I’m learning to enjoy my quiet day with Him, resting in the sometimes lonely space we share together.
This year, this simple act of attentiveness has slowed me down, helping me to stay present to receive life as it comes. I’ve realized, too, that because my heart is now bent towards paying attention, I’m able to be more present and available to the people around me, whether that’s the lady checking me out at Kroger or my people at the dinner table. I hope that it’s making me a better listener.
The ‘with life’ is not a life of more religious activities or devotions or trying to be good. It is a life of inner peace and contentment with the maker and manager of the universe.
I’ve experienced this. It’s grown in me a hunger for more.
But, there’s something else that you need to know that is equally true. Right now I’m sitting in a local coffee shop because I was desperate to get out my quiet house. Today, I needed noise and people and activity.
This week, practicing the presence of God has only felt quiet and alone. At times, it’s even felt like a waste of time.
Which brings me to Practice #3 …
Faith is believing for and having confidence in the unseen. And right now, I’m having to practice my faith by pressing into what I know is true instead of what I feel.
We live by faith, not by sight (or feeling). 2 Corinthians 5:7
Today I’m reminding myself that God promises to never leave me or forsake me. (Deut. 31:6) I’m reminding myself that in the quiet and the questions, He’s here. He is with me always. (Matthew 28:20) And whether I can see evidence of it or not, He’s at work, always, in and around me. (John 5:17) This is what I know to be true.
As much as I’d like to microwave my faith, I can’t. There’s no “6 Steps to a Rock Solid Faith” that will fast track me to maturity. Plus, when it comes to faith, there’s no arriving.
Faith grows, but not all at once. Living out what we believe requires practice. It requires continually making habits that move us towards God, not away from him.
So, here’s my challenge – one simple way to practice your faith:
This week, approach each frustration, disappointment, distraction or annoyance with these words, “I trust you, God.” Choose to move towards God in those moments instead of away.
And with each choice, believe that Jesus is smiling. He is pleased with you.
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