In Search of CHRISTmas PresenceНамуна

God’s Presence Pursues Us

Scripture:

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” (Luke 2:6-7 NIV)

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” (1 John 4:9-10)

“I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10b)

Reflection:

Whether we care to admit it or not, there are moments in each of our lives when we hang a “No Vacancy” sign on the door of our hearts - closing ourselves off from others, and perhaps most importantly, from God. We shut Him out of the very places where we need His presence the most.

Sometimes it is intentional, and for one reason or another, we find that we have drifted from God. Most often, however, it is unintentional and born out of the distractions of life. They can be things that are “good” and “worthy,” such as planning an event at church, volunteering at a soup kitchen, or taking care of little ones.

The intention to spend time with Him is always there. And the thought is often, “I’ll do it after…”. But usually, we bumble our way through the entire day only to realize we didn’t actually stop to let Him in. We never invited His presence to come and be with us and to guide us. We tried to fix the problem, complete the “to-do” list, finish the project, mend the relationship, etc, but we never invited His presence to go with us, and so we end up striving to survive instead of thriving.

When Jesus entered this world, He did so in the humblest of circumstances, born in a stable because there was no room available for Him. Yet even then, God’s love made a way. 1 John 4:9-10 reminds us that God sent His Son to us because He loved us and he wanted us to truly LIVE with and through Him. He doesn’t merely want us to “get by” in this life, but He wants us to have life to the fullest. However, we must choose to take down the “No Vacancy” sign and allow Him to take first priority.

No matter what circumstances we face or how closed off our hearts may feel, His promise remains the same: “And surely, I am with you always.”(Matthew 28:20 NIV)

Application:

Think of a time when you have hung a “No Vacancy” sign on the door of your heart. Perhaps you were convinced that God was not present in your life. Or maybe the distractions of life kept you from turning over the “Vacancy” sign to Jesus. Whatever the reason, realize the promise of His presence is for always and that He longs to be in relationship with you. Commit to spending time each morning with Him. Read the Bible. Talk to Him. Worship Him. Whether 5 minutes or an hour, commit to spending this time with Him each day and invite His presence into this time and the rest of your day. And if you miss a day, or two, or ten, know that His love will still pursue you and always invite you in.

Prayer:

Father, I thank you for being patient with me. For caring for me, even during those times where I have kept you at a distance. I take great comfort in knowing you are with me always.