Finding God in the Everyday
Have you ever felt like God was distant, hidden behind the hustle and bustle of daily life? As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I want to invite you to consider a radical idea: What if God's presence was available to you every moment of every day?
This past Christmas season, as we celebrated the incarnation - God becoming present with us in human form - I was struck anew by the profound implications this has for our daily lives. Let's explore how we can experience God's presence not just during special seasons, but in the midst of our ordinary, everyday moments.
The Light and Life of Christ
The apostle John beautifully captures the essence of Christ's coming in the opening of his Gospel:
In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. (John 1:1-4 NLT)
John introduces two powerful themes that run throughout his Gospel: light and life. These concepts sum up what it means for God to be present with us. Jesus himself would later declare, "I am the light of the world" and "I am the way, the truth, and the life."
For those walking in darkness - whether literal or metaphorical - the promise of light is incredibly powerful. It means no longer wandering aimlessly, afraid of what might be around the next corner. If you feel like you've been stumbling in the dark lately, take heart! Jesus invites you to experience his presence that lights your way.
And what better symbol of life than a newborn baby? The joy and hope that comes with new birth gives us a picture of the kind of abundant life Jesus longs to give us through his presence.
Lessons from Brother Lawrence
So how do we cultivate an awareness of God's presence in our everyday lives? One of the most inspiring examples comes from a 17th-century French monk named Brother Lawrence. His life and teachings, recorded in the classic work, The Practice of the Presence of God, offer profound yet practical wisdom for experiencing God in the mundane moments of life.
Brother Lawrence was not a high-ranking church official or renowned scholar. He was simply a cook and later a shoe repairman in his monastery. Yet his constant awareness of God's presence in every task, no matter how menial, drew people to him. They recognized that he knew and loved God in a way they longed to experience themselves.
Here's a glimpse into Brother Lawrence's approach, from one of his recorded conversations:
"That in the beginning, a persistent effort is needed to form the habit of continually talking with God and to refer all we do to Him but that after a little care His love brings us to it without any difficulty."
Brother Lawrence shows us that living in God's presence is available to everyone, regardless of our job, social status, or perceived "spirituality." It simply takes practice and persistence.
Overcoming Distractions in the Modern World
Now, you might be thinking, "Sure, it was easy for a monk with no family responsibilities or career pressures to focus on God's presence. But what about me, living in our hyper-connected, constantly buzzing world?"
It's true that we face unique challenges today. However, the core issue of inattentiveness to God's presence is not ultimately about our external circumstances. It's a condition of our hearts, and that condition is the same now as it has been throughout human history.
Brother Lawrence could have found plenty of distractions, even in his seemingly ideal monastic setting. He still had to choose to attend to God's presence in every moment. When he did, he discovered a whole new life waiting for him all around him.
Practicing the Presence
How can we follow Brother Lawrence's example and cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence in our daily lives? Here are some practical steps to consider:
Start with small moments: Choose a routine task (like washing dishes or commuting) and practice being aware of God's presence during that time.
Use simple prayers: Brother Lawrence would say things like, "My God, I cannot do this unless You enable me to do so." Develop your own short prayers to turn your attention to God throughout the day.
Acknowledge mistakes without dwelling on them: When you falter, simply tell God, "I shall never do otherwise if You leave me to myself; it is up to you to keep me from falling and to correct what is wrong."
Act simply and speak frankly with God: Talk to God naturally about everything, asking for help as needs arise.
Be patient with yourself: Remember, this is a practice. It takes time to develop new habits of awareness.
As we enter this new year, I want to leave you with an invitation: Will you commit to inviting God to share each moment, each day with you in the year ahead? Will you take the risk of being present with God, knowing that in him you will find the only true source of light and life?
God is not far away. He is not difficult to find. He is ready and eagerly waiting to be found by you, to be close to you, in every moment that lies ahead this year. So start today, and it's my prayer that in the coming year, you will enjoy and be transformed by the everyday presence of God with you.
Reflection:
In what areas of your life do you feel like you're walking in darkness, needing the light of Christ?
How can you become more aware of God's presence in your daily life?
What distractions or habits keep you from experiencing God's presence fully?
How might your life change if you practiced being aware of God's presence in every moment, like Brother Lawrence?
Application:
This week, commit to practicing the presence of God in your daily life. Start by setting aside specific times each day to acknowledge God's presence and invite him into your activities. As you go about your routine, try to do everything "simply for the love of God," as Brother Lawrence did. When you face challenges or make mistakes, turn to God immediately for strength and guidance.
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for choosing to be present with us through your Son, Jesus Christ. As we enter this new year, help us to become more aware of your constant presence in our lives. Give us the strength and determination to practice living in your presence daily, even when distractions and difficulties arise. May we, like Brother Lawrence, learn to do everything out of love for you. Transform our hearts and minds so that we may experience the fullness of your light and life in every moment. In Jesus' name, Amen.
