His Presence is Enough

You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence.

 Psalm 16:11

Unseen. Unheard. Such describes my childhood. Back then I strived to be invisible and silent. I didn’t want to be noticed. I despised attention. Shame caused me to seek safety in a superficial shell of self-protection.

Oh, the pain of needing to keep searching for the perfect mask to hide behind.

Then something happened. I discovered that I thrive on words of affirmation.  How was I going to receive validation and affirmation without letting anyone know me?  What a crazy cycle I was on. I craved significance and desired to be known. I silently clamored for presence.  My increased efforts to speak up and be heard made no impact.

Great speakers and those with natural charisma have presence. Jesus had presence. Presence increases credibility. Credibility fosters influence. Influence transforms lives. I was desperate for personal presence, which I thought, translated into significance.

Then I was awakened, through God’s small and quiet voice that penetrated the clamoring in my mind. What about My presence? Does My presence make a difference in you?

Of course it did, if I nurtured it instead of clawing for my own. Pride had been at work in my heart over creating personal presence. God was tenderly at work in my heart vying for His presence to prevail. His presence that is always enough. His presence that lives in me so that I don’t have to manufacture my own. His presence that is brilliantly displayed through my unique personhood! 

Less strife. Peace. Joy. Increased influence with others.

Humility is taking root where life-strangling weeds of self-promotion once grew. And… through His presence with me, I have presence with Him!

How do we experience His presence daily? Practice His presence. Invite the Holy Spirit to richly dwell in us. Listen with our heart. Confess what separates us from closeness with Him. Thank Him.

Lord, may I let You be famous through Your Presence living in me. Your presence makes all the difference.

Karen Sims