In what ways can you cultivate awareness of God's presence today? The LORD Is There—Ezekiel’s Last Word of Hope “The perimeter of the city will be eighteen thousand cubits, and the name of the city from that day will be: ‘The LORD Is There.’ ” (Ezekiel 48:35) This closing line of Ezekiel crowns the entire prophecy with a name: YHWH Shammah—“The LORD Is There.” The promise points beyond a restored Jerusalem to the unchanging reality that God lives among His covenant people. Because His presence is literal and sure, we can intentionally cultivate fresh awareness of Him every day. Why an Awareness of God’s Presence Matters • It steadies the heart in trouble (Psalm 46:1). • It fuels holiness—He “walks among” us (2 Corinthians 6:16). • It turns ordinary tasks into worship (Colossians 3:17). • It bolsters courage for witness (Matthew 28:20). Practices That Awaken Your Awareness • Start each morning with His Word – Read a short passage, then pause to acknowledge “The LORD is here.” – Example: Psalm 16:8 “I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” • Speak Scripture aloud during the day – Carry index cards or a phone reminder; declare verses like Hebrews 13:5 “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Hearing truth reinforces reality and quiets competing voices. • Practice “breath prayers” – On the inhale: “You are here.” – On the exhale: “I rest in You.” – Simple, biblical phrases anchor wandering thoughts (Acts 17:27–28). • Mark physical spaces with reminders – Place a small cross, a verse, or a meaningful picture where you work, drive, or cook. – God’s presence fills the earth (Jeremiah 23:23–24); visible prompts help the heart notice. • Embrace gathered worship – “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20) – Corporate praise trains our senses to recognize Him in community and primes us to notice Him alone. • Thank Him aloud in real time – Thank Him for a parking spot, a kind word, a solved problem. – Gratitude turns moments into meetings (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • Walk in obedience immediately – Obedience keeps spiritual sight clear (John 14:23 “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word … and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”). – Delay or compromise dulls awareness; quick obedience sharpens it. • End each day with reflection – Ask: Where did I sense His nearness? Where did I ignore Him? – Psalm 139:23–24 guides an honest review, leading to deeper fellowship tomorrow. Living the Name Today The city Ezekiel saw is still future, yet its name—“The LORD Is There”—is already true for every believer. Christ’s indwelling Spirit (Romans 8:9–11) makes the promise personal: wherever you stand, work, or rest, the covenant God is present. Cultivate that awareness, and ordinary days become holy ground. |
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