Living – Fully Present!

By Norine Rae –

I am blessed to live in a home where there is a constant flow of community. People travel from all over the world to come to Redding, CA and attend conferences at Bethel Church where I am blessed to be a member. Just this morning I listened to a beautiful woman, who is staying with us, share her heart regarding her family. There was one phrase that I heard over and over again throughout our short discussion and that was “fully present.”

This woman had learned the value of purposely being present. At least she has the language down and realizes it’s very important. In today’s fast paced world of technology, and the necessity for multitasking have we somehow missed the need to stop and focus on those around us? 

Most of you are familiar with the verse, “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). Yet, in our busy lives are we taking the time to be in the present and to set our phones aside when they ring or if a message comes through. 

For me personally, I make a consorted effort to leave my phone set aside when I am in a meeting, having lunch with a friend or especially my devotional time. If there is something pressing, I might have my phone nearby, but I try not to even look at it when I am addressing others. Why? Most of us have experienced frustration when spending time with someone who is constantly on their phone rather than being present with us. It is my heart to let people know that they are valuable to me. Being fully present is one way that we can demonstrate love well. 

Can you imagine how God must feel when we don’t take the time to “be still” with Him? By purposely being present (physically, mentally, emotionally and even spiritually) we are engaging fully with the task at hand or with the individual who is with us. This simple act of kindness displays to them that we do indeed value them. They become a treasure and they too treasure us because they can feel our love and devotion. In most cases, I find it truly becomes reciprocal. But even when it is not, by choosing to be fully present we are being a gracious example of Jesus Christ who advocates for us with the Father. 

Tom Stuart with Ignited to Pray Ministries shares, 8 Ways to Be Present. We are to BE: Focused, Watchful, Content, Thankful, Prayerful, Strong, Loving, and Believe. Imagine how wonderful it would be if all of our conversations where with people who actually chose to stop and utilize these ways to make us feel special. 

Let’s just look at one of the ways he mentioned – Be Prayerful: Consider praying for the person as they share with you. Being willing to lay aside our agenda and our needs for theirs. This is love, and it will not go unnoticed by our Savior. Remember that Job was healed when he prayed for his friends and he lived to a ripe old age (Job 42:10&17). 

Tom Stuart teaches, “When the moment we are in is not a pleasant one or is trying our patience we always have the option of turning to God in prayer. Prayer enables us to be present when other things around war against that. Prayer also helps us be more discerning to find God in the moment. We should therefore be “instant in prayer” and “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.” (Colossians 4:2 7 Ephesians 5:18 NLT).” 

Join with me as I purposely choose today to be fully present with God and others. 

Dedicated to Alanna King who took the time to Be Fully Present.