The Presence of God

 This is inspired by an author called Brother Lawrence who wrote, “Practicing the presence of GOD.” The book’s message reminded me of the value of experiencing GOD as much as we can on this earth. There may be different ways of doing so; and I want to increase His presence in my life and be aware that wherever I go there will be the presence of God. Instead of saying it’s time to go to work, I want to say, ‘Time to practice the presence of GOD.’ This is because every situation should be about God. In one way or another, the relationship is between us as servants and GOD as our master. Everyone and everything else is just assisting this relationship. Is He our GOD alone and do we worship Him alone or not? Is our relationship a master/servant one? Or a master and a wannabe master one? 

I think we should think about our purpose and our goal in life; and how we can move towards it. Brother Lawrence in his book reminds us: “That the end we ought to propose to ourselves is to become, in this life, the most perfect worshippers of GOD we can possibly be, as we hope to be through all eternity.” 

How can we say we desire to go to heaven and be close to GOD if we don’t appreciate His presence here?

Brother Lawrence continues: “We have a GOD who is infinitely gracious and knows all our wants.” 

[53:24] What is it that the human being desires? [53:25] To GOD belongs both the Hereafter, and this world. 

[4:28] GOD wishes to lighten your burden, for the human being is created weak. 

Mathew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

Isn’t being close to GOD our treasure? Are we building up our treasure chest of moments of remembering GOD and His presence? 

James 4:8: Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you… 

 

Psalm 63:6-8: When I remember You upon my bed, and meditate on You in the watches of the night; for You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me. 

We know GOD’s presence is real because the Quran tells us: [2:115] To GOD belongs the east and the west; wherever you go there will be the presence of GOD. GOD is Omnipresent, Omniscient.

[55:27] Only the presence of your Lord lasts. Possessor of Majesty and Honor.

If we look at the Quran we can see that we cannot see GOD with our eyes or stand in His physical presence.

[7:143] … He said, “You cannot see Me. Look at that mountain; if it stays in its place, then you can see Me.” Then, his Lord manifested Himself to the mountain, and this caused it to crumble. Moses fell unconscious… [42:51] No human being can communicate with GOD except through inspiration, or from behind a barrier, or by sending a messenger through whom He reveals what He wills. He is the Most High, Most Wise.

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