Enjoying the Presence of God and His Strength – Weekly Devotional: Luke 4:8

It seems to me that one of the most important Spiritual Exercises that we can engage in is to Spend Time in God’s Presence. When I am aware that I am connected to God, I have peace, hope and the spiritual strength that I need for whatever the day brings me.

For me, to be in God’s presence usually begins with intention.  I make a decision deep in my spirit to become connected to God. I remind myself of his special qualities and of his faithfulness. I often remember the scripture “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” Luke 4:8  This is a promise that God gives us in his Word.

I frequently listen to music.  Sometimes I turn on my iPod or tune in to a Christian radio station or pull up a website that plays soft Christian music so that it plays in the background.  This is soothing to my soul and is a reminder of the loving nature of God. When I listen to this type of music I am inspired by the melodies.

Being in a beautiful place is another way in which I make a special connection with God. My wife and I are at a North Carolina beach for a week. As I am seated comfortably in a chair looking out at the ocean waves, I’m reminded of how God has gifted us with the beauty found in nature. I feel extra close to him in this setting.

And, maybe most of all, as I read scripture I am reminded of his nature and goodness and love. When I take time for an extended devotional and linger in the Bible I hear God speak to me softly through his Holy Spirit. He reminds me of his truths.

During these difficult times of high unemployment rates, financial stresses and other associated challenges, many people are looking for the inner strength needed to make it through the day, or the week. The best Source of strength I can think of is the strength that comes from being in the presence of God.

I hope that you are able to experience his presence regularly.

Scriptures Related to Spending Time in God’s Presence

“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” Jerimiah 29:13-14

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10

“The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

“Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.” Psalm 51:11

Questions to Reflect On

How are you intentional in being inGod’s presense? Do you have a favorite location you go to in your home or outside your house or in your neighborhood to sit quietly?

Do you have a favorite devotional that you read that connects you to God?

Do you have any special music that you listen to that helps you to quiet your soul and opens your heart in a bigger way to the Lord?

Related Resources

Read more about Spiritual Exercises for a Healthier Life

Power and Strength by Grace Through Intimacy with God

The grace of God gives us strength and the corresponding ability to do the things we otherwise could not do.  This happens as a result of being in an intimate relationship with God, through his Son Jesus and experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit.  The more intimate we are with God, the more time we spend quietly with him, and the more we yield to him and depend upon him the more empowered we become.

Power from God does not come by way of religious-type activity and service.  It comes as a direct result of abiding in God’s presence and being connected to him in a very real and meaningful way.  Jesus tell us this when he says -

“Remain in me and I will remain in you…. apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5

Jesus gives us a great example of how he received power from his Father, God.  Shortly before his death on the cross, Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane.  He was sorrowful and full of grief-filled emotions as he prepared to do the will of God by dying on the cross for our sins. The “man” in him did not want to die. What did he do? Jesus went away to be alone with God…. to be in earnest prayer with him one-on-one.  When he finished his prayer time with  God, Jesus was prepared, equipped with the strength he needed to be able to die for you and me. Matthew 26:36-46

The Gospel of John tells us that Jesus prayed to his Father that just as he and God were one, that we all would “be in them.” John 17:20-21 This serves as a reminder that God desires us to remain as close as possible to him. He knows that for us to be able to do his perfect will, we need to maintain an intimate relationship with him.

‘Abide in God’s Presence’ is one Spiritual Exercise that is conducive to a healthy life.  The more we are in God’s presence, the more power the Holy Spirit gives us to make healthy choices and to change our behavior. We are able to do things that we otherwise might not be able to do.

Questions to Reflect On:

How close to Jesus are you?

How much time do you spend in prayer with God on a daily basis?

How much time each week do you spend reading the Bible and meditating on what you’ve read?

Scriptures Related to Intimacy:

“Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.”  James 4:8

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” Psalm 23:1-3

Helpful Resources

Article – It’s About the Relationship

Blog Posts About Strength

Booklet – Experiencing Intimacy With God, RBC Publications

Website Page – Spiritual Exercises for a Healthier Life