Every day you can choose to live in your present reality or somewhere else.

You see it in the absent eyes of your friends.  Distracted.

You see it in the eyes of the suburban teenager who lives more in Snapchat than in their actual house.

You hear it in the voice of your coworker who is thinking about her future career moves, and isn’t really “with you.”

You feel it in the embrace of your loved ones who are consumed with the past such that they can’t really give you an authentic, warm, hug.

You know it in yourself.  It robs you of peace, joy, and life itself.

What is the solution?

Psalm 16:9-11 – “In his presence is fullness of joy.”

What do you really want?  I believe it’s joy.

How do you find it?

Practice the presence.  Get to know the story of what God is doing in this world.  It’s the best story.  It will change you life.  Then, live into that story.  How do you do that?  Practice the presence of God.

I Thessalonians 5:17 says to pray without ceasing.  I like that.   Here’s my personal application of that verse – Try to live in ceaseless communion with God.

What happens when you do that?

People will know something is different about you.  They will see it in the eyes that really see them.  They will hear it in the voice that speaks with calm assurance.  They will feel it in the realness of your embrace.

And, you will feel it, too.

So, give it a try this week.  Try to embrace a continual communion with God.   Let his presence and his Word fill your every moment.  Make that your goal this week.

Seek first the kingdom of God, and all the things you worry about will be added to you.  (Justin’s paraphrase of Matthew 6:33)