I find it amazing that the longer I sojourn with God, the more I realize how much I still need to learn and grow. I used to feel pretty good about myself when I would devote a half an hour (or more) of each morning to God. I’d delight myself in these early morning devotions as I felt completely one with God. I’d come to Him with complete transparency and tell Him everything—as if He didn’t already know! I’d worship Him, I’d thank Him for His goodness, I’d read my Bible, I’d pray for others, and I’d ask the Holy Spirit to guide me through my day. My quiet time with God was good and I felt satisfied. Then I’d quickly blow out my candle, close my Bible, and start on my mental “to-do list”. Lately, however, I’m not as satisfied. I’ve come to realize that although I may have started out my day with God, far too often I’d forget all about Him as I went about my busyness. I didn’t like how I could feel so connected to God in the morning, and then not even give Him a second thought the rest of the day. I noticed that I became task-oriented and allowed my mental to-do list to direct my life instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to guide me moment by moment.
What is moment by moment guidance anyway? The Bible often talks about abiding in the Lord, remaining in Him, lingering in His presence, coming away and resting in Him. After reading a few good Christian books, I quickly realized that I was not abiding in the Lord at all. Even though I spent precious moments with the Lord in our “sacred quiet place,” I left Him there when I was finished as I pursued my agenda for the day. No wonder I’d so easily get frustrated or fall back into sin. I simply wasn’t living in the power of the Holy Spirit. I needed to learn to take the “quiet” with me. I learned that the presence of God is not relegated to my devotional time in the morning or a quiet place. God is available to me at every moment and in every circumstance. Brother Lawrence calls this awareness “practicing the presence of God.”
As I started delving into the Scriptures, I realized that to abide in God means to live a life of constant communion with Him. That’s right—it is simply keeping company with God. The ironic thing is that doesn’t mean I have to sit still all day to be aware of His presence, nor do I have to do all the talking either. Keeping company with God is walking away from my intimate time with Him, but taking an “awareness” of His Presence with me. It is a realization that He is constantly with me, even in my often cluttered and busy life. Rather than yearn for simplicity and quiet and wish my two teenagers grown, I gave myself permission to enjoy the stage of life I am currently in. Yes, it is rather busy and often quite hectic, but I can learn to experience God even in these busy times. He is with me everywhere I go, not just in my early morning devotions.
I could sense God whisperering to my heart that it was time for me to become a “Noticer.” I needed to refocus my attention so I could notice Him while I was at work, while I was taking a walk with my dogs, or while I was having dinner with my family. I need to consciously remember that He’s with me when I go grocery shopping, when I’m having lunch with a friend, and even when I’m busy cleaning the house. There will always be places to go, things to do, and people to visit, but if I can learn to find God in the midst of every moment, then I will be living my life with an easy-ness even amidst the busyness.
Keeping company with God also means to talk to Him about every aspect of my day. And yes, this includes all of my feelings too. When someone hurts or disappoints me, rather than retaliate, why not tattle to God instead? His perspective is so much better and wiser than mine anyway, so why not ask for His input?
I think the key to making this moment by moment awareness a reality lies in taking frequent mini-breaks. Five minutes here and there to take a quick inward glance to get back into touch with His peace. A deep breath to refocus on His Presence. When we take little steps to make a conscious effort to maintain this intimacy we are keeping company with God. And you know what? It will not matter what is left undone at the end of the day. A successful day will not be measured by how clean my house was or how much I was able to check off my to-do list. A successful day will be measured by how well I stayed in touch with God. Did I obey his prodding to write that note of encouragement? Did I hear His whisper and smile at the cashier and wish her a nice day? Did I notice the elderely woman who needed help carrying her groceries?
Yes, it is important to have time set aside to be alone with God. During this time you are withdrawing from the world and its influences to be filled with God’s pure and holy presence. As He fills you with His grace and peace, He not only equips you, but asks you to take the strength gained there back into your everyday world where you live and work. That is called working out your salvation, and in doing so you will live a life pleasing to God. This process of perseverance, spiritual growth, and maturation is your active response to God’s amazing grace. And that, my friends, is Keeping Company with God.
..continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. Philippians 2:13
Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you. Hebrews 13:5
And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20
As the Father has loved me so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. John 15:9
