How Do You Practice His Presence?

In Psalm 86:12-13, David prays: "I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave." (NIV)

What I find so inspiring from this prayer is that David whispers it during extremely difficult times. In verse fourteen of Psalm 86 David gives us a glimpse of his situation: "The arrogant are attacking me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life — men without regard for you." (NIV)
I love David's life example. David understood humility. He practiced dependency. He lived surrendered. And, God summed up David's life as being a man after my own heart.

Could the same be said of me? In good times, do I acknowledge God? In bad time do I remain at peace? Do I pursue Him regardless of my situation? Would God define my existence as being a woman after His own heart?

The older I get the more I realize God's grace, alone, is my only hope. He, alone, supplies me grace for every task. He, alone, provides the grace I need for every situation. Apart from Him--I can do NOTHING! I'm realizing that He "isn't impressed so much with the dimensions of our work as with the love in which it is done." (Brother Lawrence)

Today, I sense an incredible peace consuming every area of anxiety. I feel an incredible freedom in recognizing I can only do what He empowers me to do. Friend, our sole responsibility in life can be simplified to one core mission--to love Him. Today, I want to encourage you to join me in surrendering all the chaos.

HOW?

• Every time a feeling of anxiety assaults our thinking let's relinquish our control and acknowledge our need for help. A simple prayer like "Father, I can only do what you equip me and empower me to do" helps us maintain our humility and dependence on Him.
• Amidst our busy schedule, let's practice His presence by intentionally stopping to include Him in our every day. "Father, thank you for being with me. Grant me your wisdom. Thank You for Your presence. Help me in this situation. Only you can!"
• Periodically throughout our day, let's relinquish our self-sufficiency and remind ourselves of Who He is. "Father, I can do NOTHING in my own power; the tasks are too big; yet, by Your power I know I can do ALL things."

I'd love to hear how you practice His presence! What do you struggle with? What have you found that works to help you rest in Him? Feel free to share your comments below!