By Ella Kirby
Surrounded by God’s presence
I like to remind myself that God’s presence is always with me. Life is hard and has many demands; family, health, friends, work, chores, studies, and events; I find it easy to feel overwhelmed. If I keep my eyes on my situation, my piles of laundry or work to do, my challenges become all I see.
God fills us with peace and creativity
I like to picture God’s presence like a waterfall over my head that is constantly filling me with peace, solutions, creativity, kindness, and grace for what I am facing. When I remember the Holy Spirit and God with me, my challenges become more manageable. The challenges may not become less difficult, less hard, or less unfair; instead, I can walk them knowing that I am not alone.
I look behind me and you’re there,
then up ahead and you’re there, too—
your reassuring presence, coming and going.
This is too much, too wonderful—
I can’t take it all in!
Psalms 139:1-6, MSG Translation
You will never walk alone
You and I will never walk alone. I encourage you to picture the most challenging moments in your life at the moment or a challenging conversation you will have this week and then picture Christ standing right in the middle of it with you. His love and presence surround you like water surrounds swimmers in a swimming pool. We are submerged in His presence.
Is there any place I can go to avoid your Spirit?
to be out of your sight?
If I climb to the sky, you’re there!
If I go underground, you’re there!
If I flew on morning’s wings
to the far western horizon,
You’d find me in a minute—
you’re already there waiting!
Psalms 139:7-12, MSG Translation
He helps us remember His presence every day
And the best news of all? It’s not all on us to do more or be better. When we invite Christ to surround us with His presence, He reminds us that He is with us always. We can choose to stop and remember His presence, and He will help us to remember as well.
So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
Hebrews 12:12, NLT Translation
Application
I play sports and love learning about what high-performance athletes practice to bring their best to their game or discipline. Athletes use a practice called visualization. Visualization allows the athlete to picture what challenges they will face and the moment they will be required to bring their best. They train their minds to know what to do when they face hard things and challenging moments.
I find that visualizing Christ in my imagination walking with me in every day helps me to train my brain to know that this is my reality; I don’t walk alone and I get to face any challenges with Christ right by my side.
To practice visualizing Christ surrounding you with His love, you could:
- Draw a picture of you and Christ in a moment of your day.
- Imagine Christ holding your hand to comfort you and give you strength when you’re brushing your teeth or eating.
May God strengthen you and bring you peace.
Click here to listen to the full devotion.
About the Author
Ella Kirby is the Office & Communications Manager for Elevate Christian Disability Trust. Ella is new to the Elevate team as of 2024. Outside of the office, Ella is an avid footballer and dog-mum to Cas, her Border Collie.