Walking in His Presence

This is an entry from His Victorious Indwelling that is posted for August 4th and written by A.W. Tozer. I have had some experience with the practical working out of what Tozer is talking about. In being present to Him as we go about our daily activities, there is much blessing and an indescribable peace as we cling unto Him. I only desire that I might experience more of this kind of walking and less and less of the kind in which I block out my consciousness of Him or laspe into forgetfullness about the vast wealth that is mine for the taking if I would only remember to partake.

We must offer all our acts to God and believe that He accepts them. Then hold firmly to that position and keep insisting that every act of every hour of the day and night be included in the transaction. Keep reminding God in our times of private prayer that we mean every act for His glory; then supplement those times with a thousand thought-prayers as we go about the job of living. Let us practice the fine art of making every work a priestly ministration. Let us believe that God is in all our simple deeds and learn to find Him there. A. W. Tozer

Some ways I have made an attempt to be present to Him in the simple deeds:
1. while driving in the car (as I turn the steering wheel, wait at a red light, deal with other drivers) While I would never classify myself as someone prone to road rage, I have gotten angry over careless drivers or my mistiming of a traffic signal; when I am driving with the Lord, there is complete liberation of circumstances that for the most part are outside my control.
2. while doing laundry at the laundromat ( in taking in the clothes, stuffing the washers, unloading the washers, loading the dryers, folding the clothes) To be honest, I can perform one of thelaundry tasks with Him and turn around 20 minutes later and begin the next task completely out of my own flesh. Thank goodness He has often reminded me that it is a continual turning to Him and not something I do one time a day. Each individual task must be committed to His keeping.
3. while cooking (I haven't much experience with this lately since we are in the midst of a remodeling venture, but I remember times when I have added the butter and cracked each egg with the Lord in my mind. Sometimes cooking can be a tedious event, but when Jesus' hands are mingling with yours, What a delightful activity!
4. even in changing a dirty diaper. Pew! I must confess that I don't do this one nearly enough. But there have been occasions when I knew I wasn't up for the task and absolutely needed His strength to do something that had to be done! Amazingly enough, there really can be joy in such an apparently hideous chore.


It comes down to this: We have a choice to invite our Lord to do any and every task that we embrace right along with us. He will even provide His own strength for us if we ask Him. I am puzzled that all of my experiences in this have been exceedingly positive, but I so often lapse out of inviting Him into these daily activities. And how I miss out. I become anxious, insensitive to others around me, and very introverted. Frankly, I must have Him in these "small" moments if I want to have the "Living Waters" flow from me onto others as I live my life out. I am thankful that He continues to work with me to mold me into a vessel for His glory.