Ever Presence

"Try to stay conscious of Me as you go step by step through this day. My Presence with you is both a promise and a protection. My final statement just before I ascended into heaven was: Surely I am with you always. That promise was for all of My followers, without exception.

The promise of My Presence is a powerful protection. As you journey through your life, there are numerous pitfalls along the way. Many voices clamor for your attention, enticing you to go their way. A few steps away from your true path are pits of self-pity and despair, plateaus of pride and self-will. If you take you eyes off Me and follow another's way, you are in grave danger. Even well-meaning friends can lead you astray if you let them usurp My place in your life. The way to stay on the path of Life is to keep your focus on Me. Awareness of My Presence is your best protection."

- October 15, 2012, Jesus Calling, Sarah Young. 

If you haven't read Jesus Calling by Sarah Young you need to. Today's devotion was exactly what I needed to hear. So here's some honesty for you. Lately it has been a struggle to spend time in prayer, to study the Bible and to simply be still before the Lord. I have fallen into a "plateau of pride and self-will." But the most reassuring thing is is that God is ever present. Even when I have reached a plateau in my walk. Even when I have allowed myself to fall to the temptations of self-sufficiency and serving myself. He is here in the midst, holding me close and never ever letting go. As I make myself more aware of his ever presence, my focus will turn less on me and become more on him.

Lord, break my selfish hard heart. I ask that you will remind me of your presence through out my day, and the rest of this week. Let me set my heart and mind on things above. Teach me to be still and covet my time with you above all else.

Thank you for your ever presence and your tender kindness.

Amen.