The Door of Awareness

It is easy for us to become so focused on what we are doing and are interested in that we become oblivious to and unaware of those around us. Jesus is always present, but are we conscious of his presence? We live in a world of distraction and noise making it easy to go through life unaware of him.

For two people to be friends they must move toward each other. Jesus moved toward us when he said, “I chose you” (John 15:16, NIV). Mark 3:13-14 (NLT) tells us that Jesus, “called out the ones he wanted to go with him.” The process of moving toward Jesus is a process of seeking him. The psalmist says, “I have sought your face with all my heart” (Psalm 119:58, NIV). Seeking his face is a poetic way of describing seeking his presence. The psalmist hungers after God and desires personal intimacy with him. And he is doing it with all his heart!

This thought is amplified in Jeremiah 29:13-14 (NIV), “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you.” Cultivating an awareness of being in the presence of Jesus takes time. We have to develop the mental and spiritual habit by training our souls to be thinking of Jesus. Talking to God throughout the day, even about little things; sentence prayers for myself and others; looking for him in what is going on around me because he is present everywhere and always; these are all ways to develop my sensitivity to his presence and turn the handle to the door of awareness.

Reflection

Think back over your day yesterday. Note down any places you are aware that Jesus was present with you or others. Prayerfully thank him for his presence. As you move through your day, stop and pray sentence prayers for yourself or others, inviting Jesus to work in the things you are doing or the challenges you are facing.