LIVING IN THE PRESENCE

Be Still, Blue Ridge Parkway, NC

One of the most comforting words that Jesus left us with are recorded in Mathew 28 when he assured us that “I am with you always, even to the end of the age”. But unfortunately, we’re not always with him. Presence is the key to all spiritual disciplines. God informs us in Psalm 46 to ‘be still and know that I am God”. If we are present, we can experience the Presence. This lesson was most evident when he was visiting with his friends, Mary, Martha and Lazarus. As Martha scurried around the household multi-tasking for the honored guests, Mary simply chose to sit in Jesus’ presence. When Martha objected, Jesus responded by making certain his point would be understood by repeating Martha’s name twice. When he did that, he is especially trying to get our attention. He says, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is a need for only one thing. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her”. The point is central to the secret of life; to live continuously in His presence in the present. That’s the amazing grace of God at work in our lives. He is always there for us and He is always waiting for the day when we first realize this and invite Him into our life.