Stay Close to God

I must admit that I am careful to watch my behavior when I am with my little girl.  I’m extra cautious if we are holding hands.  Why?  I’m not scared she will run out into the street (my tiny human has done that before.)  Nor am I afraid that she will lose our way (she gets lost all the time, especially when she is on stairs.)  No, I keep her close and monitor my actions because I respect her.  I love her and therefore am extra careful not to allow my words to slip or behavior to wane.  

When my daughter is at my side I feel everything in the world is right and so I better be right.  I also know that my actions can quickly cause her pain.  Though my feisty princess might punch my leg if I step out of line, her presence is too precious to sadden by my mistakes.

This is the same attitude King David had when he wrote Psalm 16:8. Here he tells us “I have continually set the Lord before me, because the Lord is at my right hand I will not be moved.”  Life is different when you are ever mindful of Jesus’s presence in you and with you.  Don’t you behave differently when you know that someone is watching and could be influenced by your behavior? 

Proverbs chapter 3 tells us to “acknowledge him in all your ways and he will make your path straight.”  Acknowledging God means that you walk with awareness of His presence. Acknowledging God is simply thinking of Him throughout the day… at work, at the restaurant, at school.   Your life might have you all over the place, but the Lord will direct you as you are intentionally aware of Him.

I want my little girl to remain next to me so that I can hear her voice clearly.  It’s the same with God.  How can you remain and abide in Jesus today?   Start by keeping the Proverbs challenge and reading Proverbs 3. Take something from this reading and think on it regularly today.  Setting God before you makes a difference.  What does this look like though? 

Setting the Lord before you is a natural byproduct of abiding in the Word.  The more you read, study, think on, and share the Scriptures, you will notice that your mind will be renewed without effort.  It’s not done in a day with some super spiritual experience.  Your life is transformed by daily grabbing on to God and walking with Him.  Be aware of His breath nearby.  Make it a point to remember or acknowledge the Lord today.  He’ll straighten you and your path out.