Give Thanks for God’s Presence
by Annie Yorty ©2021
Emmanuel—the name of Jesus identified in the opening chapter of Matthew. The promise of God with us. A simple promise, yet so significant. In this Thanksgiving blog, let’s consider how we can better give thanks for God’s presence in our lives.
The key to thanking God for His presence is to learn to perceive Him, to become more aware. God’s promise to always be with us is clear:
He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b NASB)
Then why do we often forget God? Or worse, believe He is absent? As I asked myself this question, I found several blind spots.
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Fear dims my spiritual eyes.
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Busyness clutters my thoughts.
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Unconfessed sin hardens my heart.
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Pride masquerades me as God.
Though it may vary from person to person, I suspect we all experience cataracts that impair our vision of God’s presence from time to time. Without corrective lenses, we cannot properly give thanks for God’s presence.
4 Spiritual Lens Prescriptions for Perceiving God’s Presence
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Study God’s character
When we know God, it’s much easier to recognize and give thanks for God’s presence. God’s character is revealed through His Son, Jesus, as well as His Word, the Bible. If you haven’t already done so, read my blog, Give Thanks for Who God Is, for ideas to know God better. You can also download a Names of God Bookmark with some of the names of God for your personal use.
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Pray often
To understand why this is important, think about friendship. Have you ever lost touch with a friend? I have moved often and have friends in places I haven’t visited in a long time. Some I talk to regularly. Some I do not. When I fail to keep in touch with a friend, I can’t really say I know much about what’s going on with them. Yes, if I call them, we would still be friends. But without the call, I possess little personal awareness of them.
It’s the same with God. Praying brings you nearer to God, superimposing His presence on every aspect of your life.
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Identify God’s presence in success
It is my human tendency to claim the credit for the good in my life.
I received a pay raise. Obviously, I worked hard for that.
My kids are behaving well. I’ve got this parenting thing nailed.
A person I counseled began a relationship with God. I must have explained the gospel just right.
But the Bible says every good thing comes from God.
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow (James 1:17 NASB).
My motives shift and vary. I often start out some work claiming, “It’s all for God!” But eventually my attitudes and expectations testify to pride and self-centeredness lurking deep down where no one else can see.
How do we combat this universal human struggle?
I try to preempt my “me” thoughts. Have you ever gone to a production and seen this statement in the program: This presentation is brought to you by [some named benefactor]? I am learning to do the same thing with my successes by regularly advertising to my heart and mind that God is my benefactor. That makes it easier to give thanks for God’s presence in my successes.
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Ask God to reveal His presence in struggles
Years ago when we lived in the northeast, we’d get “wicked bad” ice storms rolling in off the ocean. (For those who aren’t natives, that’s New England slang.) On those blizzardy mornings, like every other day, I hiked from the parking lot down a steep hill to my office. I’d exit the car, steeled against the onslaught of pellets driven by bitter wind. Hunkered down in my parka like a horse with blinders, my eyes cast down to navigate treacherous sidewalks. Intent on avoiding the brutal elements, I never looked up toward the warm refuge of my office building.
Have you ever been overwhelmed by the wicked bad events of life? Do you, like me, push through, head down? Or maybe, like me, you’ve sometimes ended up splayed on the icy sidewalk, bruised and bloodied, not knowing which way is up. It’s in those times we need to know, for sure, that God is with us.
Some years ago, steeped in discouragement, I heard God whisper, “I’m here. Ask for Me.” So I did. I simply asked God for encouragement. And faithful God inspired me through a friend’s words the very next day.
Since that time, I have often specifically asked God to encourage me whenever I’m overwhelmed. He reveals Himself to me with just the right word from the Bible, a friend, a song, or a program. And I am always prompted to give thanks for God’s presence in my distress.
Never alone
What a comfort it is to know we are never alone! The promise of God’s presence is for anyone who has trusted Jesus as Savior and chosen to follow His ways. If you have never taken this step, I encourage you to learn more about becoming a Christian.
If Jesus is your Savior but you sometimes experience a dim vision of His constant presence, join me in focusing (pun intended 😊) on opportunities to thank God for His presence in these weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and beyond.
Join the conversation:
Would you share one of your blind spots where you struggle to perceive God’s presence?
How has God opened your eyes to His presence?
I welcome your comments!
21 Comments
Edwina Cowgill
Annie,
What a wonderful reminder to keep our eyes, heart and mind focused on Jesus. His presence in our lives make all the difference in the world!
BTW, I really like your website!
Blessings,
Edwina Cowgill
Annie Yorty
Thank you, Edwina! Yes, I can’t imagine doing this life without God.
Katherine Pasour
So much wisdom in your message, Annie–thank you! Isn’t it strange how we take credit for the good things that happen in our lives (your list hit me hard), but often blame others (or God) for the bad stuff? I love the way you simply our first step–reach out to God and accept His encouragement. I’ve been doing better about that, but you message appeared in my mailbox at just the right time. God helps open my eyes through His creation. I sense His voice, “If I can create the earth, the seasons, this marvelous display of autum beauty, don’t you think I’m aware of your struggles?” He is here.
Annie Yorty
When you put it like that, it does seem ridiculous not to trust Him 😊. Creation is a tangible reminder of God’s majesty and care for us. Thanks for visiting!
Teresa
Thank you for this reminder Ann. I have a long history of fear.
I could blame it on my family of origin, but there’s that old pride for ya, rearing its ugly head.
I have to call it what it is: SIN.
My recent bible reading has taken me to words such as “wrestle”. That is how our walk with Jesus is described by Paul. It is a spiritual wrestling match, that’s for sure, But your advice is precious and it’s our life line in times of struggle. Thanks again, and let’s keep on our armor and fight the “good fight” together my friend!!
Annie Yorty
Wrestling is a good word for it, Teresa. I know I’ve been through some knock-down, drag-out matches. Spoiler: God always wins! 😊 But we see this way back in Genesis with Jacob. God is always faithful.
Jeannie Waters
Annie, your amazing post made me long to notice God’s presence even more. My favorite sentence is “Praying brings you nearer to God, superimposing His presence on every aspect of your life.” It’s true, but we need reminders. When I focus on my mistakes or the “what if’s,” I tend to look down instead of up. Thank you for reminding us God always wants us to look up and notice His presence.
Annie Yorty
I so easily forget too, Jeannie. I’m reminding myself as much as anyone. Thanks for visiting.
Barbara Latta
This is a great observation, “Though it may vary from person to person, I suspect we all experience cataracts that impair our vision of God’s presence from time to time.” We do need clear lenses to see God clearly and that lens is His Word. Thanks for sharing, Annie.
Annie Yorty
Thank you, Barbara!
Candyce Carden
Such wonderful stuff here! The cataract I currently suffer from the most is the busyness one. Your post is an inspiring message this time of year to spend more time to intentionally seek God.
Thank you.
Annie Yorty
Thank you, Candyce. Busyness is definitely one of my issues too.
Joanna Eccles
I think one of my blind spots is pride. I forget that my sufficiency is from God and then wonder why I can’t fix everything in the whole world. Only God can solve things. That’s not my job. I need to let God be God and me be human.
Annie Yorty
Pride can be so insidious, creeping up when you least expect it. Thank you for sharing your perspective, Joanna!
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