Presence Carriers – David ShearmanSample

Be Still

It’s helpful to ask ourselves regularly, “How am I doing?” Are we hungry for more of God's presence? Are we more, rather than less, dependent on Him than we have been before in our lives? Are we secure in Him because of increased time spent in His presence? Or are we too consumed with work and general busyness to spend time with God? As a result, have we maybe even forgotten some of His precious promises to us?

If things have become stale for you, move your position, change your routine, be excited about moving forward in the unknown of the purpose of God for you. Hear the words again: “consecrate yourselves”. Pray that God will help you to recapture a positive hunger to know Him afresh. Let’s not waste our time in pursuit of a lesser cause. A new dependence on knowing and being with Him will impact everything in our lives.

Be still for a moment. Close down the outside noise and find a place of inner quiet. It is sometimes harder than we think it should be, especially if we haven’t practiced for a long time. For some of us, a driving compulsion needs to be stilled – the busyness that Hilary of Tours referred to as, “a blasphemous anxiety to do God’s work for Him.” Now focus on Jesus. Let a Bible promise rise up in your spirit and enjoy being with the Lord.

As I have obeyed my own words and stopped a moment ago I heard, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” How wonderful is that? This practice may take a few moments, but given time it will turn into a full blown encounter with God. This should be a part of our daily spiritual walk: to be alert to, tuned into the voice of the Holy Spirit; aware of God's abiding presence.

It is a matter for the Holy Spirit to help each of us to determine when and whether more time is needed to attend to His deeper promptings. If you know that your priorities need to change, that significant time issues must be faced, then do what is necessary. Please don't procrastinate. It is too important. The whole course of your life could change if you will turn aside and deal with the Spirit’s prompting.