Focus on Presence

For David said about him,

‘I saw the Lord before me at all times;
    he is near me, and I will not be troubled.
And so I am filled with gladness,
    and my words are full of joy.
And I, mortal though I am,
    will rest assured in hope,
because you will not abandon me in the world of the dead;
    you will not allow your faithful servant to rot in the grave.
You have shown me the paths that lead to life,
    and your presence will fill me with joy.’ Acts 2:25-28

David was focused on God’s presence. Said I saw the Lord before me at all times. Near me. Not abandon me. Show me the path. Your presence will fill me. The results of God’s presence were I won’t be troubled. Filled with glassiness. My words are joyful. I rest assured in hope. You lead to life full of joy.

How many times in my own life have I experienced God’s presence and experience these same things? Too many to count! When I know this is true, why am I not seeking His presence continually? Why do I allow the circumstances around me to get in the way of seeking Him?

Even as I wrote these words, I thought “I’m not filled with gladness. Joy is not in my words.” So I had to pause and get my focus off the troubles and on to God’s presence. He’s always near, always available. The choice is mine. I can choose to focus on Him and fill my environment and mood shift. Or I can choose to continue to do things my way, focusing on the problems around me and being in a discontent mood. I can express that to the environment around me and I can shift the environment to be negative too. We’ve all heard the saying “if mama ain’t happy ain’t nobody happy.”

When I focus on God’s presence in my life, I will experience gladness. My words will be filled with joy. I will be more hopeful. I can choose to I allow His presence to lead me instead of letting circumstances lead me.

Prayer – Lord, thank You for Your presence and faithfulness in my life. Thank You for David’s reminder that regardless of the troubles You are there. When my focus is on You things shift for the better. I invite Your tangible presence into my day. Let me hear Your voice and let hope and joy exude out of me and into the environment around me. In Jesus name amen.