NIV Once-A-Day Bible Worship and Praise DevotionalSample

PRACTICING THE PRESENCE Most people approach each day armed with verbs and phrases like: “Go!” “Get busy!” “Hurry up!” “Produce!” and “Make it happen!” We rush through life, checking off items on our “to do” lists. When we are tuned in to God, we live each day using a different vocabulary. “Lift up your eyes.” “Listen.” “Call to me.” “Ask.” “Seek.” “Knock.” “Wait.” “Trust.” A great illustration of this second, less common approach to life is embedded in the story of Abraham’s servant. Sent on a mission to find a wife for Isaac, Eliezer is wholly dependent on help from above. He is faithful, trustworthy and deliberate. He prays nonstop, and his cries for direction and help are amazingly specific. When at last he senses clear leading from God, he erupts in praise. And at the end of the day, his mission is a great success. The Lord has watched over him. This God-drenched mindset is what Brother Lawrence called “practicing the presence of God.” It is simply recognizing that God is ever with us. As you go through your daily routines, remember Eliezer’s example. Slow down and take time to acknowledge God. Trust him to lead you along the right path today. Lord, today I’m trusting you to . . .