SHINING LIGHT

DAY 6: PRESENCE

By: Gabriela Yareliz Gonzalez, Editor of Modern Witnesses

Hi friends,

We are wrapping up our Days of Gratitude, tomorrow. The idea is we will continue cultivating gratitude each and every day. I hope we keep noticing the big, the small, the bold and the subtle.

Today, we will be talking about God’s presence and ways in which we feel it. I hope you join us by sharing your own lists. If you share, tag us or use the hashtag #7daysofgratitude.

As always, I am grateful for you.
Wishing all of you a beautiful season of gratitude.
xx

GY

DAY 6: PRESENCE

I was reading recently about an art exhibition Marina Abramovic did, years back. She sat there, the artist herself, watching those who came to see her. She was simply present. Some were distracted by the buzz surrounding the artist and the art “piece” itself, while some were moved to tears because they felt seen.

We live in a world where we are often not present with others or with ourselves, but the gift of presence is profound. That said, one of my favorite promises in scripture is that the God of the universe promises us His presence. We are guaranteed His presence. We take it for granted, but this is a powerful promise.

If people were moved by the presence and intention of a human artist who was disheveled and a stranger, imagine how we would be changed if we stood long enough in the presence of God– a God who does not want to remain a stranger but one who wants to be in intimate relationship with us.

These are some of my favorite ways to feel His presence:

Prayer

This is our direct line into His presence. I get to talk to Him about what burdens my heart or what upsets me about myself or the world. And He gets to speak to me, too.

Good Worship Music

Some of my favorites are: Mosaic MSC, Selah, Lauren Daigle, Point of Grace, Rachael Lampa, and to be honest, my absolute favorite music are old hymns on instrumental. Hymns– music that was written after some of the darkest moments a soul can experience, the songs that endure time– those move my heart the most.

Nature

Not long ago, I walked a trail where yellow and golden leaves were dancing to the ground. There is something about the quiet we hear in nature. Even in the quiet, God’s majesty can be so loud.

Books that Heal

I love picking books that make me confront my shortfalls and my heartaches. God speaks to me through so much wisdom shared in writing, and I am so grateful for this wisdom and His ability to keep molding us.

In the Unconditional Love of Others

Through the love that is poured out to me, I get glimpses of God’s incredible, amazing love.

The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

How do you feel God’s presence?

Share your lists with us on stories or post on IG, and tag us @modernwitnesses_ and #7daysofgratitude.

Today and every day, choose to spend time in His presence. You will never regret it.