WE NEED TO HAVE AWARENESS OF GOD'S PRESENCE AND POWER

This new year, let’s all ask the Lord to make us aware of Himself. Awareness of His presence and power means focus and the need to fill our thoughts and hearts with Him above all else.

Eternal Perspectives            by Sally Bair

Awareness

Each year I ask the Lord to give me a special word that will help me grow in faith for the coming year. My word for 2018 is Aware. I sensed that He wants me to be aware each day of His Power, Presence and Purpose.

We can all ask Him to make us more aware of His power. Jesus overcame the power of death when He rose from the grave. And His life-changing power gives us new life when we accept Him as our Savior and Lord by grace through faith. He continues to bring powerful healing of body, mind and soul to countless people throughout the world. And through His Spirit, He uses us to bring such healings to others and to draw them to Himself. “Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. … to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” (Luke 9:1-2).

God also wants us to be mindful of His presence at all times. When we’re healthy and happy. When we fight uphill battles against people and situations over which we have no control. When we falter in our spirit.

King David wrote, “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11) When Jesus left this earth, He promised His disciples He would be with them always. His promise holds true for us, also.

And we can be constantly aware of His purpose for our lives. Through meditation on His Word and through prayer, we can learn the exact steps He wants us to take. This can cover any situation: our choice of spouse, vocation or avocation; the route we take to work, the groceries we buy and the food we eat. Often He shows us His purpose while we’re in meditation or prayer, reading His Word or meeting with other Christians. 

The word aware is synonymous with the word beware. As we become aware of God, He will show us what to beware of in our decision making. God gives no formulas in how He makes His purpose, presence and power known. He simply wants us to be aware of them.

Lord, thank You for Your Spirit who causes us to be aware of Your awesome power, presence and purpose. As we face a new year, give us the will and compulsion to be attuned to You in every thought, word and action as we honor and serve You. In Jesus’ name, amen.