Every Moment
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:15-17
Insight
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to compartmentalize our faith, relegating it to Sunday mornings or designated prayer times. We often perceive encountering God as something that happens only in church, during intense worship, or in times of crisis. But what if I told you that Jesus has made a way for us to experience God's presence in every single moment of our lives?
Think about your day so far. Perhaps you woke up to the sound of your alarm, made your morning coffee, commuted to work, or tackled a list of chores. In each of these seemingly mundane activities, God was present, waiting to be acknowledged and invited into your experience.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Colossians 1:17, "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." This verse speaks to the omnipresence of God through Jesus Christ. It's not just that God is watching from afar; He is actively sustaining every atom of creation, including you, at this very moment.
So how do we tap into this constant presence? How do we encounter God not just in the extraordinary, but in the ordinary moments of life?
Cultivate Awareness - The first step is simply becoming aware. God is already present; we just need to open our eyes to see Him. This might mean pausing throughout your day to take a deep breath and remind yourself of God's presence. It could be noticing the beauty of nature on your commute or recognizing the gift of friendship in a colleague's smile.
Practice Gratitude - Gratitude is a powerful tool for encountering God. When we choose to be thankful, we align our hearts with God's goodness. Even in challenging situations, there is always something to be grateful for, and in that gratitude, we often find God's presence.
Listen Intentionally - God often speaks in a "still small voice" (1 Kings 19:12). To hear it, we need to quiet our minds and listen intentionally. This doesn't mean you need to sit in silence for hours. It could be as simple as turning off the radio during your commute or spending a few minutes in quiet reflection before bed.
Serve Others - Jesus taught that when we serve others, we serve Him (Matthew 25:40). By looking for opportunities to show kindness and love to those around us, we create moments to encounter God through our actions.
Embrace the Present - Often, we miss God in the present because we're too focused on the past or future. Jesus encourages us to "not worry about tomorrow" (Matthew 6:34). By fully embracing the present moment, we open ourselves to encountering God here and now.
Remember, encountering God in every moment isn't about feeling a constant emotional high. Sometimes, it's as simple as acknowledging His presence in the warmth of the sun on your face, the taste of your food, or the challenge of a difficult task at work.
Jesus has indeed made a way for us to encounter God in every moment. He bridged the gap, making it possible for us to experience God's presence not just in the extraordinary, but in the beautiful ordinary of our daily lives.
As you go about your day, remember that each moment is an opportunity to encounter God. He is not distant or unreachable. Through Jesus, He has made Himself available to you in every breath, every step, every joy, and every challenge. Will you choose to see Him?
Reflection
Think about your typical day. Where do you see opportunities to encounter God that you might have overlooked before?
How might your perspective on challenging situations change if you viewed them as opportunities to encounter God?
What practical steps can you take to become more aware of God's presence in your daily life?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for making a way through Jesus for us to encounter You in every moment. Open our eyes to see You in the ordinary aspects of our lives. Help us to cultivate a constant awareness of Your presence, that we might live each moment in communion with You. May our lives be a testament to Your ever-present love and grace. Amen.