What steps can we take to ensure we don't miss God's presence around us? Realizing God Is Near: Genesis 28:16 “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.” (Genesis 28:16) Seeing What Jacob Missed Jacob was traveling, tired, and worried about the future. In that ordinary moment Heaven broke through. His surprise shows how easy it is to overlook God’s nearness. Staying Spiritually Awake • Slow down daily. “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) • Begin each morning by inviting the Lord to open your eyes to His activity. • Guard margins in your schedule; hurried hearts become spiritually drowsy. Keeping the Word in Front of You • Read Scripture expectantly—God is present in His Word (Hebrews 4:12). • Memorize key promises; recalling them during the day trains your mind to notice Him. • Journal brief observations; written reflection deepens awareness. Listening for His Whisper • Set aside moments of silence; Samuel heard the Lord in stillness (1 Samuel 3:10). • Pay attention to inner nudges aligned with Scripture; the Spirit prompts, never contradicts. • Test impressions by the Word and seek wise counsel when needed. Walking in Daily Obedience • Obedience tunes the heart—“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.” (John 14:23) • Act immediately on clear instructions; delayed obedience dulls sensitivity. • Celebrate small steps; faithfulness in little things sharpens sight for greater things. Building Memorials of Remembrance • Jacob raised a stone pillar (Genesis 28:18–19). Mark your own encounters—a note in your Bible, a date in a journal, a song on repeat. • Review these memorials regularly; gratitude fuels fresh expectation. Living in Worship • Praise throughout the day—“I will bless the LORD at all times.” (Psalm 34:1) • Worship shifts focus from problems to Presence, making you alert to His hand. Practicing Fellowship • Share testimonies; hearing others’ stories heightens your own awareness. • Gather consistently—“Where two or three gather in My name, there am I.” (Matthew 18:20). • Serve together; God often shows up in acts of love (Matthew 25:40). Trusting His Promise of Nearness • Jesus assures, “I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20) • The Father says, “My Presence will go with you.” (Exodus 33:14) • Remember: God’s nearness is constant; our awareness must be cultivated. Putting It All Together 1. Start each day in stillness and Scripture. 2. Listen and obey promptly. 3. Mark moments of encounter. 4. Worship continually. 5. Stay connected to fellow believers. Follow these steps and, unlike Jacob’s first reaction, you’ll wake each day declaring, “Surely the LORD is in this place”—and you’ll know it. |
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