(An imaginary conversation between God and me, but I invite you to put your name in the blanks):
ME: You’ve heard me say, Lord, “I can’t imagine life without You,” because You’ve been an invaluable, all-wise influence through the years.
You’ve provided protection, guidance, care, and more. Just knowing You are with me gives me comfort, strength, and peace.
GOD: Ministering to you in these ways has been My delight, __________. I do love to see you practicing My presence—asking for My help and connecting with Me through praise and prayer.
As you draw near to Me, you experience wonder, quiet, calm, and warmth.
ME: Thank you Father for these blessings! But I’m still on the learning curve of sustained awareness. Distractions frequently interfere. It seems I’ll never attain moment-by-moment communion with You.
GOD: I understand, __________. Remember, I’m the One who made you and am well aware you cannot achieve perfection [1].
What I value is progress, and rest assured, that is occurring.
Think back to the days when you experienced great difficulty practicing My presence. Your thoughts rarely turned toward Me once your morning quiet time was over—unless you ran into trouble.
Now you come to Me much more frequently, giving Me the opportunity to strengthen and encourage you. Keep coming back to Me, __________.
The day will come when we enjoy almost-unbroken communion and it will be all the sweeter for the wait. Meanwhile, there are habits-of-thought to embrace that will advance your progress toward that day:
BE ATTENTIVE TO MY ATTRIBUTES
Stay alert to discover reminders of Me everywhere. And let each discovery bring to mind one or more of My attributes.
As attentiveness leads to praise and praise to joy, you’ll find yourself nestled more closely to My side. That’s where I long for you to be!
BE GRATEFUL FOR MY BLESSINGS
Ask yourself throughout the day, “What can I thank God for right now?”
For example, your answer in this moment might include the colorful fall flowers in the deck planter—a delight for your eyes—enjoyed in the surroundings of My living room [2].
And as we enjoy such blessings together, you’ll find your heart drawing close to Me.
AFFIRM MY PROMISES
Come worship at My footstool, __________ (Psalm 132:7).
Look up into My face and see in My eyes the love I have for you. See in My smile the delight you bring Me. Imagine My hand upon your back and feel My compassion.
Now, breathe out your cares and breathe in the truth of My promises. Listen closely as I affirm:
- I love you __________ with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).
- I will always help you (Isaiah 41:13).
- My lovingkindness prevails over you (Psalm 117:2 AMP).
- I am in control of all things (Ephesians 4:6).
- I will work all things together for the good of those who love Me, who seek to live out My purpose for them (Romans 8:28).
It delights Me that you want to be more aware of My presence. Know that I take deep pleasure in every occasion you turn your attention toward Me.
Know too that beautiful transformation is taking place within you each time you do, because you can’t spend time in My presence and not grow more into My likeness [3].
* * * * * * * * * *
ME: Thank You, Father, for encouraging me toward greater intimacy with You, to enjoy You more fervently. Help me pause and sense Your presence, even in the ordinary moments of life.
May I create space for You through attentiveness to Your attributes on display, gratitude for Your countless blessings, and review of Your uplifting promises.
May I remember:
I don’t want to miss that pleasure, even for a moment.
[1] Psalm 103:13-14
[2] Those of you who visit here often will probably remember that Michael Hyatt, former CEO of Thomas Publishing, is the one who calls the outdoors God’s living room. I love that imagery!
[3] 2 Corinthians 3:18
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From the Inside Out 