Experiencing God: Right Here, Right Now
Right here, right now. These words from Jesus Jones resonate deeply, not just as the chorus of a song, but as a spiritual call to live in the present moment, experiencing God’s presence in every breath. In a world full of chaos and distractions, the concept of living in the ‘now’ is more crucial than ever. As believers, we know that God is always with us, but how often do we truly live in that reality?
The Urgency of the Present: Capturing the Now
"I was alive and I waited, waited. I was alive and I waited for this. Right here, right now, there is no other place I want to be." These lyrics from Jesus Jones might just as well have been inspired by the Bible. Consider the words of Jesus himself in Matthew 6:34 (NIV): "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Jesus teaches us the importance of focusing on the present moment.
God desires for us to live abundantly, right here and right now. Many of us tend to get caught up in either reminiscing about the past or worrying about the future. But God is not just a figure of history or a promise for the future; He is a present help (Psalm 46:1).
Encountering God in the Present Moment
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we often forget to pause and recognize God’s presence.
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Daily Devotionals: Setting aside time each day for reading the Bible and prayer helps us become more aware of God’s presence in our daily lives. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
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Mindfulness and Prayer: Practicing mindfulness in your prayers can help you to focus on the ‘now.’ Instead of just listing out requests, spend time in silence, being aware of God’s presence.
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Observing God’s Creation: Take a moment to appreciate the beauty around you. Romans 1:20 states, "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made."
The Biblical Perspective on Living in the Now
When Jesus spoke to Martha, who was worried and upset about many things, He said, "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42, NIV). Jesus pointed out the richness of the present moment, which Mary embraced by sitting at His feet.
The Apostle Paul also emphasized the present: "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV). This teaches us that each moment is a gift from God, and we should use it wisely.
Questions for Personal Reflection
Take a moment to ponder the following questions:
- How often do you live fully in the present moment?
- What are some distractions that pull you away from experiencing God right here, right now?
- How can you make a conscious effort to recognize God’s presence throughout your day?
Reflect on these questions in your journal or share your thoughts with a friend or in the comments below.
Making the Most of “Right Here, Right Now”
The lyrics "I was alive and I waited for this" encourage us not to wait for a better moment but to realize that this is the moment we have been given.
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Gratitude Journal: Start or end your day by writing down three things you are grateful for. This practice can draw your attention to the blessings God has given you right now.
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Practice Thankfulness: During your prayers, instead of immediately diving into requests, try starting with a period of thanking God for the small and big ways you see Him in your life right now.
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Spontaneous Worship: Keep a playlist of worship songs ready and take a moment to worship God whenever you feel His presence, just like the feeling encapsulated in Jesus Jones’ song.
Strong Call to Action
Today, let’s commit to recognizing God’s presence right here, right now. Share your experiences, how you feel God’s presence in your life, and tips for living in the moment in the comments below. Encourage others by your testimony. Remember, God’s promise is not just for yesterday or tomorrow; it’s for today, it’s for now.
By focusing on the ‘now’ and acknowledging God’s presence, we can live fuller, richer lives. "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24, NIV). Right here, right now, is where God meets us. Let’s not miss out.
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