The Path of Life
To acknowledge the presence of the God, who is really there, is actually a form of prayer! But that acknowledgment is not always easy to do!Paul reminds us to “look not at what is seen but at what is unseen,” (2 Cor 4:18). Peterson translates that as; “There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, and gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever” (MSG).In the twenty-first century we live in a very materialistic age, most people live their lives based on their observation of the physical realm. But as Christians we are called to live in the realm of the Spirit of God. A realm or kingdom that has its foundations within the “unseen.” This realm is made known to us in our “hearts,” and far too often people “lose heart” in the midst of this world because they are unable to see beyond the material into the realm of the spirit or the unseen reality of the very Presence of God.C. S. Lewis wrote, “What is concrete but immaterial can be kept in view only by painful effort.” In other words we must discipline ourselves to live in the conscious reality of His Presence of the unseen. Prayer is truly the acknowledgment of His “presence.” Prayer leads us into the “unseen.”Several years ago I was going through a very difficult period when the Spirit of God began to speak to me. These are the words that I wrote in my journal during that time: “Fix your mind and heart to open out towards Me. Wait and listen with intent, be determined to be sensitive to Me alone. Hold your attention upon Me and Me alone. Set your mind and heart to do nothing until you are settled on My Presence.”Something like an artesian well opened within my heart in the next several weeks. I do not claim to have succeeded, some days are better than others, but every day there is this “joy” of discovery. The discovery that He is always with me.Jesus told us that, “I have come that you may have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). However, He had warned us that there is a “thief” that comes to steal, kill and destory.”David said, “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11).The “path of life” is to acknowledge His Presence! The thief trys to rob us of this knowledge. We must win the battle of our thoughts. We are called as Paul said, to “abide in Him,” this is the “path of life.” This path is one of devotion and prayer and thanksgiving. We can discipline ourselves to focus on what is “unseen,” the Spirit of God! He is always with us. As you “fix” your heart and mind on Him you will become more and more aware of His Presence and His Joy will be yours in abundance. A joy that is our strength in the midst of a tryiing world.I again find myself attempting to encourage, not only you, but everyone that I know. “God is for you, not against you.” He is working in the unseen realm to bring you to your highest and best. Stay on the “path of life.”Living in His Presence,Pastor Quintin