"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11, ESV
I have spoken before about walking in the presence of God. The first time I was introduced to this concept, it was through a book called "The Practice of the Presence of God." The Wikipedia article on this book uses two quotes from the book to summarize, in a very effective way, the general ideal of the concept.
"That he had always been governed by love, without selfish views; and that having resolved to make the love of GOD the end of all his actions, he had found reasons to be well satisfied with his method. That he was pleased when he could take up a straw from the ground for the love of GOD, seeking Him only, and nothing else, not even His gifts."
"That in order to form a habit of conversing with GOD continually, and referring all we do to Him; we must at first apply to Him with some diligence: but that after a little care we should find His love inwardly excite us to it without any difficulty."
According to the Psalm quoted above, there are two great benefits to developing this continual sense of the presence of God. The first is the a sense of joy to accompany us through our days here on earth. The second refers to the everlasting pleasures that we will experience in Heaven. I think these benefits are enough motivation to pursue this quality. However, I must admit that I have not applied the initial diligence that Brother Lawrence mentioned in his book.
This psalm is definitely not the only place in scripture that this concept appears. Similar concepts can be found at other places that seem to imply the same sense of continual communication and focus on Christ. Here are a few more:
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3, ESV (emphasis added)
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV (emphasis added)
"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6, ESV (emphasis added)
Is there any other quality that the Christian could pursue that is more important than maintaining open and continual communication with his master?
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