If you've ever had a best friend or a spouse whom you love you probably already understand the quiet joy of just being in their presence. There's no agenda, no striving or need to strike up a conversation. That's what today's topic is about, simply enjoying the presence of our Creator. Living our day to day life in worship of the Creator doesn't necessarily mean that we have to fill our days with religious activities. On the contrary, enjoying the presence of God is all about remaining open hearted to God's subtle (and sometimes profound) presence within our being.
God is spirit, and the people who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.
John 4:24
The original Greek word translated to worship is proskyneo. It's literal meaning is, "to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand". Just as dogs are known as man's best friend I believe the purpose of mankind is to be God's best friend. We're actually called friends of God in John 15:14 and Abraham is referred to as God's friend in multiple verses in scripture.
So why does a dog lick its masters hand? To show appreciation and affection of course. There isn't any manipulation or ulterior motive going on, the dog simply loves the presence of it's master.
Abide in me, and I will abide in you...
John 15:4
What does it mean to abide? The Greek word used for abide is meno which means: to sojourn, tarry, not to depart. To be held, kept continually. Basically John 15:4 is an invitation to 'hang out' with God. If you call your BFF over to hang out on a lazy Saturday afternoon does that entail making yourself prim and proper before their arrival? Or do all of the details fall by the way side and you both just wing it and figure it out as you go? I'm guessing it's the latter if you're anything like me. When you're with your friend you're spontaneous and just enjoy each others company. You are free to be your true self without putting on a show for them. They already know your faults and strengths anyways so they'd most likely call you out for putting on a performance! It truly isn't necessary.
Be still, and know that I am God...
Psalm 46:10
Raphah is the Hebrew word for 'be still' and it means: to let go, to be quiet, relax. God is inviting us to relax, and to know him through experiencing him. Did you know that God likes to Netflix and chill with you? He does, and he also enjoys running errands with you, doing house chores with you, scooping up dog turds with you. Whatever it is we do in the mundane routine of our lives, he is the constant companion who is willing to be there to 'do life' with us.
That final point I'd like to make has to do with the story found in Luke about two sisters who were dear friends of Jesus. Jesus had arrived in town with his twelve disciples for a visit so Martha was super busy trying to make all sorts of preparations:
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him as a guest. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at Jesus's feet and listened to what he said.
But Martha was distracted with all the preparations she had to make, so she came up to him and said, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do all the work alone? Tell her to help me." But Jesus answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the best part; it will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:38-42
I don't blame Martha one bit for feeling overwhelmed and stressed! Imagine a king shows up for a visit with his entourage at your house and you're the only one working to make it a comfortable visit. I'd be a little resentful towards Mary too. But Jesus had to calm Martha down and basically say, "Martha just chill. No worries at all. I came here to hang out with you not to be served by you or be impressed with your perfectly clean house or huge home made dinner. Come relax with me!"
Are you feeling a little overwhelmed and burned out lately trying to perform for God or friends and family? If so maybe it's time to shift your perspective and simply enjoy God's presence and 'go with the flow' a bit more so to speak. Give yourself permission to relax! God has already done so.
Cheers friends!