Scripture makes it clear; no matter what our job or lot in life, we can learn to practice and enjoy God’s presence now—Matt. 6:25-34. Brother Lawrence, a humble monk, learned to do this when he was cleaning pots in the monastery, and so can we in our everyday lives. We have a capacity within us to focus on whatever we choose.
The answer is to choose to do the following:
- Fight distractions (not work, ministry, or planning). We don’t need to be diverted from essential activities, even in the midst of our busiest times.
- In the future, have faith in God’s care for His children.
- Enjoy His presence now. How can that be done?
The solutions will be different for everyone, but here are a few to help you practice God’s presence throughout your work day. (Suggested by Elsa Houtz, “Spiritual Disciplines From 9-5,” Discipleship Journal, #74, p. 47.)
- Get mileage out of your travel time—listen to tapes, pray, worship.
- Set aside a minimum of one lunch hour and/or one coffee break a week.
- Keep a “jotting journal,” a small notebook for jotting down questions, issues, or experiences you want to follow up on later.
- Schedule checkpoints into your day—a regular time in your schedule when you take two or three minutes to ask, “Am I depending on God, or am I working in my own strength? Am I letting Christ be seen through me today”?