Staying Your Mind on Him

The presence of God is a place of comfort and reassurance, a place that builds up the broken and uplifts the weary, and a place of overflowing joy and perfect peace. His presence can’t be our last resort in times of trouble, but our first home in every situation. As children of God, we dwell in that place, living our life in union with God and never apart from His presence. He indwells, and is the seal of our salvation.

Living from this reality is easier said than done because our minds have yet to catch up in understanding of our immediate position in Christ at the moment we are saved. We try to deal with problems on our own, forgetting that He dwells within. This must be our way of trying to restore a sense of control and order when stressful situations come knocking down our peaceful sanctuary. When we take on the burden of anxiety without inviting His peace, things can seem to escalate rapidly. We sure do have a knack at making matters worse sometimes. Oftentimes, it’s only when we reach a point where there is nothing more we can do that we turn to God, knowing full well that we’re handing over an even bigger mess than we initially started off with. On the contrary, what if we could learn to live continually in the presence of God?

The Bible asks us to meditate on the Word of God day and night. This means that the presence of God is not a magical circle that we step in and out of when trouble or misfortune lurks around, but a place of continual rest and ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Word is living and the more we draw from it, the more it imparts life to our spirit and strength to face each new day. Every form of devotion begins with discipline. We don’t just wake up one day and find that it becomes an easy thing to do. And while it may be hard initially, like everything else in life, the grace to follow through with it comes from God. Staying your mind on the things of God and dwelling in His presence are disciplines that each of us must develop. Here we begin to hear the voice of God that leads and directs us into the perfect will that He has for us. Out of this obedience and communion with Him comes perfect peace and joy; the kind that has been dwelling within by His Spirit all along.

We know that David was anointed by God to be the next King of Israel while Saul was still in power. Even after being marked as God’s anointed, David faced a lot of persecution and hatred from Saul. He spent loads of his time fleeing from place to place for fear of his life. Despite these harsh and uncertain seasons in his life, David continually leaned into the presence of God. He knew the will of God for his life, and drew wisdom and strength from this place of intimacy with the Lord. What gave him peace in the most hopeless times was the fact that he was chosen by God and nothing could separate him from the love of God. Staying our mind on Him is a sure recipe to hope, and even peace, through unexpected trials and tribulations.

Reflection

How does the life of David encourage you to seek God in the midst of your trials? Do you have a favorite Psalm of David that brings encouragement, and why? Journal your thoughts to Jesus and thank Him for the indwelling Spirit that is a steady source of peace.