Cultivate an awareness of God’s presence

Jacob lived life on the fast track doing business deals and making lots of money, unlike David who was on the slow track tending a flock of sheep in his pasture. But notice what each of them said about God. ‘When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.”’ On the other hand, David said: ‘I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.’ (Psalm 16:7–9 NIV)

Notice the difference? Jacob was so busy that he failed to recognise God’s voice or cultivate an awareness of His presence. But David said, ‘I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.’ Those words are perhaps the simplest and best definition of spiritual life.

The Bible says, ‘We have the mind of Christ.’ (1 Corinthians 2:16 KJV) You say, ‘What does that mean to me?’ It means that the indwelling Christ can think His thoughts through you. Isn’t that wonderful? When you have a feeling of reassurance, or a sense of guidance, or you feel the conviction of sin, it means God is present with you. So pay attention and honour His presence by responding to Him. Perhaps you’ve always wondered what it means to ‘walk with God’. Now you know.