What’s your first thought when seeing the sun diffusing through clouds high above? As the light streams down from radiant beams I’m always reminded of God’s presence. It’s like He’s showing me He’s near and present, even if I cannot physically see Him.
Winding down on our #BePresent series this Lent, we’ve discussed being Purposeful and being present in Real life with Eyes open to the world around us, even when it’s Stressful. We understand the importance of making Every moment count and we do this by remembering God is near as we strive to do the same. N=Near
God is near to us in so many ways we cannot always see or even fathom. Remember how Elisha prayed for God to open the eyes of his scared servant so he could physically see how God’s heavenly army was surrounding them?
“Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. ~2 Kings 6:16-17
The same is true for us, God is always near; we just can’t always see Him the way we want. This I why I love huge displays of God’s glory in sunbeams, rainbows, beautiful creatures or just the simple beauty of a sunrise. It’s a reminder of God’s presence but also how He is present with us. In the busyness of life, I don’t want to miss the beauty of these simple expressions of God and how to be present in them and with others.
Tweet This
David knew God was present and could sense His presence even when he couldn’t see Him. I wonder if He knew God was near when seeing sunbeams as I do? It makes me want to praise Him with joy as David did:
But let the godly rejoice.
Let them be glad in God’s presence.
Let them be filled with joy.
4 Sing praises to God and to his name!
Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds.
His name is the Lord—
rejoice in his presence!
19 Praise the Lord; praise God our savior!
For each day he carries us in his arms. ~Psalm 68:3-4, 19
Each day, each moment God is carrying us. He’s that near to us. It’s our job to have faith and trust in God’s ability to #BePresent even when we cannot physically see Him. Let’s choose to be present and also sense how God is near us in all those moments we want to make matter like:
- Holding a loved one’s hand without saying a word.
- Reading silently yet still present with each other.
- Opening up the Bible to the exact message needed that day.
- Loving acts of kindness in the world around us.
- Laughing, loving and being near in the big and small moments.
Life is full of moments and how we choose to live and see them makes a difference, not only in our lives but also in those whose moments intersect with ours. Let’s remember God is near in all of them. We can seek His love, peace, guidance, and strength through a simple prayer. We don’t need a giant sunbeam to remind us, only simple trust in His presence as we seek to #BePresent.
Linking with #ChasingCommunity & #HeartEncouragement
Beautiful reminder, Jill. Sharing this on Twitter!
Thanks, Sarah! Right back at you on your poem!
I love sunbeams from clouds! I always think of those as God’s glory leaking out. Thank you for the reminder that God is always near—whether we see the sunbeams or not. Glad I’m your neighbor today at Brenda’s!
Yay, another sunbeam lover! God’s glory leaking out-great way to capture it! Thanks for stopping by and your encouragement, Anita!
Love this reminder, Jill, that God’s presence is with us but that He is also present with us. Not merely in the same space but choosing to be near us.
Yes! It’s the nuance of both knowing and trusting in His present presence! Thanks Crystal!
What a sweet thought, Jill. I’ve never considered those things like rainbows and sunbeams as evidence of His presence. Love that, friend. I’ll never look at those things the same. 🙂 And, thank you for the encouragement to trust His presence even when we can’t see it. This has been such a powerful series; thank you for sharing it! xoxo
You’re welcome Brenda! Glad I could share my journey of becoming more present while seeking God’s present presence too!
I love thinking of sunsets, sunbeams, and rainbows as displays of God’s presence! What spoke to me is realizing that He is always near. We just need to trust that He is and choose to put our focus on Him.
I also love this powerful imagery from 2 Kings!
Thanks Jill!
Absolutely, it’s a conscious choice to trust in His present presence, Mary isn’t it? Thanks for your thoughts!
Yes, remembering that God is present even when it doesn’t feel like it is so important- and keeping our eyes open for those little reminders of his presence!
The more I focus on being present, the more the little things teach me. Thanks Lesley-here’s to keeping our eyes open for His present presence!
What a beautiful reflection, Jill. I’ve been focusing (TRYING to!!!) on Jesus’ presence with me. In all situations. So this really encourages me. I so easily get my focus onto over things that drag me down! I love this: “We can seek His love, peace, guidance, and strength through a simple prayer.”
Thanks Betsy-I’ve been praying that simple prayer often lately. So glad this encouraged you! Blessings as you follow Him!