Become aware

I guess it is only natural that the first inclination when starting a new "project" is to get stuck in with the "work", and certainly my initial thoughts about how to pursue the presence of the Almighty were just that. The first task I thought of is to do a word search in the Bible for the word "presence". That thought expanded to a study of every time we see Gods manifest presence in the Bible. It would probably be worth noting here that my current understanding of His presence is that there is the "general" presence of God, and the "manifest" presence of God, a topic for another time, however it suffices to say that the study of Gods presence I had in mind was that of His manifest presence. You know, those times in the Bible where He "showed up" and His presence was powerful and apparent. It was not long until the Holy Spirit gently reminded me of Jesus come to earth, a thought which very nearly destroys any such planned study of the "mystery" of Gods presence appearing among us as here He is, present, on the earth, with us, for 33 years. Add to that the study of probable theophanies throughout the Bible as well as the fact that we as believers are indwelt by the very Spirit of God, and we can see that the topic would make for vast study indeed.

Perhaps then the best way to move forward is to simplify my desire in this pursuit of His presence, for it is not mere head knowledge I seek, but rather the outpouring of the manifest presence of the Most High. I want to feel Him here, physically. I want to have others feel Him. And indeed, if I may be so bold, dare I say as Moses did, I want to see Him. "And he said, 'Please, show me Your glory." - Exodus 33:18. I desire to be a carrier of His presence, a river through which He flows. What a privilege, what an honor. Indeed not a small thing, and certainly not to be taken lightly.

So as I sat in this devotional time, gathering my thoughts somewhat, and seeking a starting point for my pursuit, I felt the Holy Spirit draw me to the place at which I should make my first step...

"Be still, and know that I am God"

                                                  Psalm 46:10a

Although many upcoming devotions will include studies of Gods presence and will have many words written, surely the starting point, and one worth returning to each time, is to simply be still. Allow God to be God. Become aware of His presence. Breathe. Breathe the very air He breathed in this earth. Gods breath in my lungs. 

Become aware of Him.

He is present.

He is here.