Last week I wrote that sometimes doing nothing is actually doing something. The first step of doing something is to pause and get a lay of the land. When it comes to spirituality, we “find our bearings” when we make ourselves present and available to God. But, as I was thinking about it more, I realized that in making myself present to God I usually spend a good part of the time wrestling with myself instead of spending time with Jesus.

Pond at Russian Ridge Open Space Nature Center. #reflection #nofilter

Being present is not just an outward practice. It is inward as well.

For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.  (1 Corinthians 2:11)

Usually we tell ourselves that we must put down, squash, and quiet whatever is going on inside of us in order to connect with God. But, God is not put out or surprised by what we think or feel. God is interested in where we are at, so in making ourselves present to God, we would do well to become present to ourselves. When we are honest with our thoughts and feelings and realize that it’s not a problem for God, we can bring it with us and allow our context to be a part of our connection with God. None of our other relationships exist in a vacuum, so neither should our relationship with God. God is a God of the living, so live life with God!

“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived” —
the things God has prepared for those who love him—
these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
(1 Corinthians 2:9-10)

Grace and peace,
Brook