Awareness Is Key

God is always with us, but this doesn’t mean we can always perceive Him. He knew you, and who would be before we were born.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you. . .”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭1:5‬ 

There may be times when we feel really close to Him, yet on other occasions, He might seem distant and uninvolved in our lives. However, if we’re believers, we can be certain that He is our constant companion whether we’re aware of Him or not. This is a fact we can count on, and one which will empower and transform our lives. 

What happens when we KNOW the Lord is near whether we "feel" Him or not?

• We persistently seek His guidance. When our minds are set on the Lord, we want His direction for our choices in every area of life. 
• We view the Lord as our constant companion. No matter what we go through—even the loss of a loved one—we know we’re not alone. 
• Being aware of God helps us see everything in the light of His presence. This gives us a sense of safety because He keeps us through trials, reminds us of the dangers of sin, and provides for all our needs. 
• We experience Christ’s peace in the midst of storms. Knowing that nothing in this world is more powerful than our almighty God gives amazing peace and confidence in the midst of hardship and suffering. 
• His presence creates a hunger within us for the Word of God. Reading the Scriptures is like listening to the Lord speak directly to us. When we begin each morning in His Word, we are reminded all day long of His constant care. 
• Living with an awareness of the Lord brings joy to our hearts. Knowing that our omnipotent God is constantly with us puts troubling circumstances in their proper place—under His authority— and gives us the unspeakable joy of His companionship. 
• We are more conscious of the good things God sends us. Instead of giving others credit or attributing luck as the source of our blessings, we’ll realize that every perfect gift comes from the Father above (James 1:17). 
• The Lord’s presence causes us to continually live in dependence upon Him. Our first reaction to trouble is to call upon Him for help and protection. 
• Prayer is a priority in our lives. We don’t just come to the Lord with our problems and requests but we carry on a conversation with Him all day long, either verbally or in our thoughts. 
• When everything looks bleak, we continue to have hope. Our confidence is in God, not in good circumstances. He is our helper and sustainer. 
• Every decision is sifted through God’s will. In each choice, our first thought is to do what the Lord desires. 
• We consider needs in the light of His presence. Since He is our provider and knows exactly what we need, we have no cause for worry. We simply ask the Lord for help and trust Him to provide. 
• Our worship is authentic and rewarding. Church can't be a religious routine, but a chance to gather with believers and enter into God’s presence with deep appreciation and adoration. 
• An obedient lifestyle is the result of living in tune with the Lord. The more aware we are of Jesus in our lives, the less we tolerate sin because we know it doesn’t control us anymore. 
• We have a strong, intimate relationship with Christ. As we live with the mindset that He is always with us, our love for Him and sensitivity to Him increase. 

I would be less than a friend to you if I did not include a somber caution, even a warning. As deeply, and sacrificially that the Heavenly Father loves us, for some there will come a day of separation that will last through eternity. Notice the words of Jesus:

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:21-23

You may, or may not feel an immediate need for a conscious awareness of the Lord, but you will. Don't put it off. Let the Holy Spirit break through your busy-ness. Draw near to the Lord, He already close to you!