by Gwen Goneke

Living in the present can really help you live in the Spirit, as you pay attention to the things that are going on within you and around you, as well as your families and your communities. This requires taking the time to slow down, listening, letting go of the things that do not serve you, and paying attention.

In the fast-paced world, people can fill up their schedules, live on caffeine, and move from one event to another, even when they are running on empty. This leaves a limited time for yourself; fatigue becomes a constant, and you may begin to have an inauthentic life, that leaves you emotionally inept.

Slowing down reveals the many ways God takes time to communicate with you day and night. This awakening with time, nature, and paying attention to His still small voice reveals the adventures, wonder, and nature of God.

Living in the present can reveal an awareness of your priorities.

It gives you an opportunity to lend a helping hand to those that need your help.

When you do not know what to do, you can inquire from the Lord in prayer.

You must continue to pray without ceasing until he gives you His instructions.  In walking in step with the Spirit, you must be willing to wait and learn to ask the Holy Spirit what is on His heart each day. This usually sets the tone for adventure, revelation, and learning moments with Him.

Living in the Present

Journey within

Your healing journey needs to start within because you are the only one who knows your habits, and hurts.

You are the only one who knows the areas where you need to grow and change.

You must be intentional about slowing down and taking time with the Holy Spirit, as he reveals all things that you may not know about yourself.

When you become self-aware, the chances of you responding to triggers throughout the day will be limited because you allow Him to guide you.

Have you ever been in a situation where you thought that you were in control and then everything around you slowed down?

I believe the Holy Spirit does this to remind you how much He loves you and to help you stop and pay attention to what is more important.

He also does this to remind you that you are in His good hands.

God has everything under control, and you do not have to strive.

Your heavenly Father wants you to enjoy the journey, smell the roses and show you an easier way of doing things, and most of all stay connected to you, to lead, guide, and direct you.

28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

He wants you to experience joy in His presence in this present day.

What changes do you want to see in this world?

What have you been noticing as you slow down?

What have you been missing when you fill up your schedule?

Experiences

Have you ever been in a situation where you are stressing out and God ministers to you through a song, and your perspective immediately changed?

He would do this to me to get my attention. I would be in the car, and the same song that was playing would be the same song that would be playing when I got into the house or another building.

He did it to explain the season I was in at the time. An example of the song was the song by Tauren Wells, “Hills and Valleys.”

He certainly got me through it. Another song he used to speak to me was Kirk Franklin’s song called “Smile.”

When you plan things, and they don’t go your way, you have to adapt and be realistic with what you can do vs what God can do.

Living in the Present

He wants to remind you to call on Him when you need His help because He is not far away. He is closer than you think.

God wants to be there to Father you in the little and big things.

We also know that “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10 NKJV). Focus on the main thing. Make God the main thing and whatever the enemy is releasing as a distraction.

You must take time to be intentional about spending time with your Heavenly Father, because He holds the keys to your heart, and He wants to have a relationship with you in the good times and challenging times.

Prayer

Father, In the name of Jesus, thank you for revealing your truth to me.
I long to live in the present and have a relationship with you.
Help me let go of the things that do not serve me.
Help me manage my time well so I can stay in your presence each day.
I pray that the eyes of my heart may be enlightened, that I may know the hope to which you have called me, the riches of your glorious inheritance in your holy people.
I receive all the good things that you have for me.
I pray for revelation, eyes that see, and ears that hear. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I long to live in the present and have a relationship with you.

Help me let go of the things that do not serve me.

Help me manage my time well so I can stay in your presence each day.

I pray that the eyes of my heart may be enlightened, that I may know the hope to which you

have called me, the riches of your glorious inheritance in your holy people.

I receive all the good things that you have for me.

I pray for revelation, eyes that see, and ears that hear. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Food for thought: What does living in the present look like for you?