Meaning and Purpose

        Life’s challenges often cause us to forget who are and what we’re created for. Before long we are traveling paths that weren’t created for us, going with the flow and becoming carnally minded. We find ourselves frustrated and depressed thinking, “I thought God had a plan for me?” we ask ourselves, “What’s the point, I can’t seem to remember?” We’ve all found ourselves in this place and if you haven’t you will one day.

      The problem is we begin trying to find our meaning and purpose outside of God’s presence. Nothing makes sense outside of Him. The solution is easy, His presence. When is the last time you truly worshipped God? I mean truly had a breakthrough in worship and prayer? It’s His manifested presence that changes us and brings clarity. It happens almost instantly when He touches us.

       When is the last time you told God how amazing and powerful He was until his manifest presence filled the space you were in? That’s what brings clarity. That’s what chases confusion away. That’s what makes clear your path. That is when you know who you are.

        The longer we stay out of His manifested presence the farther we drift and the more confusing our life seems. People can encourage us all day long. People can tell us what they think they know, but when we get into His presence there is an assurance, there is a confidence, there is a, “I know I was born for this!” You can face any mountain, wall or road block. It can be you against a thousand critics but you will not be swayed because God has given you His, “Yes!”

       His presence casts out all shadows, all darkness, and all lies. It’s easy to slowly replace His presence with earthly wisdom, people’s approval, our own striving and busyness, but there will come a time – hopefully sooner than later- when we hit a wall mentally, emotionally or spiritually and we realize it’s His presence we need more than anything.

        When we are at our best spiritually it’s hard to imagine a day when we’d need to be reminded to get into His presence. I never thought I’d have a season like that. But life has a way; it always has a way of slowly beckoning us, slowly seducing us and one step at a time we fade away. If it was an obvious step away we’d all recognize it, but it’s tricky, it’s camouflaged as many things. Thankfully returning is only one step away. 

      Thankfully we don’t have to recover all our side steps and backward steps. God is always one step away. His presence is always there waiting for us. Returning is as simple as turning around. We don’t have to backtrack alone. He walks with us. He always meets us where we are, even if He’s traveled that road with us a million times before. There is no shame, no payment or resentment. His presence is free, but it’s our choice.

      Nothing will bring more clarity to our lives than His presence.