April 22, 2024 Experiencing His Presence
Monday, April 22, 2024
Read: Genesis 28:16-22 Experiencing the Presence of God
Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said,
“Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.”
Genesis 28:16, ESV
Pastor Kellie’s reflection last week about God speaking in whispers reminded me of my 3-day Walk to Emmaus spiritual retreat. It was a turning point in my faith journey. One speaker’s personal story ignited a growing awareness of God’s presence in me and all around me, even though I had not recognized Him.
Someone else mentioned a book called Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby and Claude King. It was my first stop and purchase at a bookstore after the retreat. I devoured the contents. When I turned the last page in the wee hours of the morning, I expressed Jacob’s same astonishment, “Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.”
I discovered that coincidences were often divine interventions, God at work helping me to make good choices or move through difficulties. I recognized gut instincts as less about what I thought and more about the Holy Spirit nudging me to head in a certain direction or take an action that seemed counter-intuitive. I found unexpected thoughts that popped into my head were often promptings of a need to be addressed, like reaching out to a college friend I had not spoken to in years to discover she was experiencing a difficult season and needed encouragement. Random encounters turned into friendships or answers to prayers I had lifted to God days or weeks before. Daily devotionals whispered meaningfully to me relative to my day-to-day activities.
I’ve been reflecting this week on the reality of God’s constant presence and being at work in our lives (John, 5:17). Every day God fulfills His promise to always be with us. He works in us, walks with us, and goes before (and after) us. Surely the Lord is always in our places, even though we may not know it.
Reflect: When and how have you experienced the presence of God? How does knowing that God is always present and at work in or through you change how you live day-to-day?
Pray: Precious Lord, thank you for Your constant presence in my life, even when I fail to recognize You there. Help me to be more aware of when I am encountering You and to experience You in new and profound ways. Amen.
By His Grace,
Gloria