PRACTICING THE PRESENCE OF GOD

Oswald Chambers says it so directly to the heart, "The great enemy to the LORD JESUS CHRIST in the present day is the conception of practical work that has not come from the New Testament, but from the systems of the world in which endless energy and activities are insisted upon, but no private life with God."  (My Utmost for His Highest, p. 293).  

Is it no wonder that we have shriveled spirits as we drain the body with activity?  One of my favorite little books is the story of Brother Lawrence who daily practiced the presence of God in the mundane of all his activities.  Of course, I realize that he lived in 1666 and the times were very different, but I am sure he lived in tumultuous times of unrest and political unrest in Paris, France. There are rare peaceful and restful times in any nation even today.  It is recorded that at every moment and in every circumstance that he sought God and practiced HIS presence.  Reading his transparent thoughts reminds me of reading the thoughts of the Shepherd King, David, in the Psalms.  

Brother Lawrence kept a running conversation with the LORD as he worked.  Sounds like wonderful obedience to 1 Thessalonians 5:17, "Pray continually."  Could it be that God allows the tightness, the distractions, and the frustration of living to draw us to HIS heart and HIS presence to pray continually?  LORD GOD cause me to practice well YOUR dear presence throughout my day to YOUR glory.  

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