Being Present
Do you ever feel bored? Do you feel like you are going through the motions? Do you feel stuck? Sometimes life can get very mundane or very routine. With these moments come feelings of monotony or lack of excitement. But what causes that emotion? I have a feeling we really aren’t bored… There is probably a number of things that you could spend your time doing. I am not sure what bored actually means. I think we just fall into a mode of not taking advantage of living in the moment. There’s plenty to do if you actually think about it. (Or we can give you some ideas, look to previous posts from this week) It is just the mindset and perspective about being right where you are.
So my encouragement for all of us this week is to be present. Be here and now to take advantage of this moment. Be present physically. Be present emotionally. Be present spiritually. Open your eyes to see bigger and see broader. Open your mind to think beyond. Open your heart to love a little deeper.
Put away the distractions that so easily take away from the ability to be present. Whether it is the phone, tv, a to do list, or an agenda, put it to the side for a little bit. Allow yourself to be.
Live for today. Don’t live in the past or the future. Don’t be held back by something in your past. Don’t only look forward to tomorrow because you think it may be better than today. For today, you have today, so make the most of it.
Be blessed by what you have. Don’t focus on the things you don’t have. Be content right where you are. Be blessed in the task at hand and make the most of the opportunity.
Here are some Bible verses. Read through them. Choose one. Pray it to start your morning, throughout your day, and to end your day. To be present in your life today, focus on God’s presence.
Philippians 4:11-13 “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be contentwhatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”
Isaiah 43:18-19 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”
Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Ephesians 5:15-16 “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…”
Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Practice being present. How does it affect you?
