Hey, lovely Sister in Christ!
I hope this letter finds you well and filled with joy. Today, I want to chat about something so important: how to intentionally keep the presence of God in our lives.
We all experience those moments when we feel God's closeness, but sometimes it can feel like He’s drifted away. Here are a few ways that have helped me stay connected to Him, and I pray they will bless you too.
1. Start Your Day with God:
One of the best ways to keep God’s presence is to start your day with Him. When you wake up, before the chaos of the day begins, take a moment to pray, read the Bible, or just sit in silence and thank Him for a new day. Psalm 5:3 says, "In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly." Starting the day with God sets the tone for everything that follows.
2. Stay in the Word:
Reading the Bible daily is like having a conversation with God. It's His love letter to us, filled with guidance, wisdom, and encouragement. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword..." When we immerse ourselves in scripture, we are reminded of His promises and His character, keeping our hearts aligned with His.
3. Pray Continually:
Prayer is our direct line to God. It doesn't have to be formal or complicated; just talk to Him as you would a close friend. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, "Pray without ceasing." This means keeping an ongoing conversation with God throughout the day. Share your thoughts, fears, joys, and gratitude with Him.
4. Worship Regularly:
Worship isn’t just for Sunday mornings. Turn on some worship music while you’re cooking, cleaning, or driving. Let your heart sing praises to God. Psalm 100:2 says, "Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." Worship shifts our focus from our problems to God’s greatness, keeping His presence near.
5. Stay Connected with Fellow Believers:
God didn’t design us to walk this journey alone. Find a community of believers to encourage and support you. Whether it’s a church group, a Bible study, or a few close friends, sharing life with others who love Jesus helps us stay grounded in our faith. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together..."
6. Serve Others:
When we serve others, we reflect God's love and character. Acts of kindness, big or small, draw us closer to God because we are doing His work. Matthew 25:40 says, "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" Serving others helps us experience God’s presence in a powerful way.
7. Be Thankful:
Gratitude changes our perspective and opens our eyes to God's blessings. Make it a habit to thank God for the little things throughout your day. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 instructs us, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." A thankful heart keeps us aware of God’s goodness and presence in our lives.
8. Listen for His Voice:
God speaks to us in many ways—through His Word, through others, and through the Holy Spirit. Take time to be still and listen. Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God..." Sometimes, the noise of life drowns out His voice. Find quiet moments to tune into what He’s saying to you.
9. Reflect on God’s Faithfulnes:
Looking back on how God has been faithful in your life strengthens your trust in Him. Keep a journal of prayers and how God has answered them. Psalm 77:11 says, "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago." Reflecting on His past faithfulness keeps us aware of His ongoing presence.
10. Trust Him:
Finally, trust that God is always with you, even when you don’t feel His presence. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Trust is the foundation of our relationship with God and assures us that He is always near.
BONUS:
Playing worship/praise songs help you to keep your mind on God while you work or do other stuff. You can also listen to audio Bible. Currently, I am listening to The Book of Revelations. ☺
Sis!
Keeping the presence of God in our lives requires intentionality and effort, but the reward is a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with our Creator. I hope these tips help you as much as they’ve helped me. Let’s continue to seek Him daily and draw closer to His heart.
With love and prayers,
Victoria Ogbujah.