Cultivating God’s Presence in Your Home
God is always with you, and His presence extends into your home. How can we intentionally cultivate this presence in our homes?
Let's begin with a short story about Martha and Mary:
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, they came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he said. However, Martha became distracted by all the preparations that needed to be made. She approached Jesus, saying, "Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" Jesus responded, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Martha, engrossed in cleaning and preparing food, missed the essence of Jesus' presence. Though He was there, she was preoccupied and unintentionally ignored Him. At times, we too need to pause and slow down a bit to savor the Lord’s presence because, just like in Martha's house, He is there.
What can we do to make sure we experience His presence in our home?
Create a Dedicated Sacred Space for Prayer and Reflection:
Establish specific areas in your home dedicated to prayer and reflection. Whether it's a cozy corner with a comfortable chair or a serene room adorned with meaningful symbols, creating spaces for prayer can help you connect with God on a deeper level. Regularly spend time in these spaces, offering prayers of gratitude, seeking guidance, and fostering a sense of spiritual intimacy. Drawing from my own experience, my closet served as my sacred space before I recently moved. The ample space allowed me to assume a prostrate position, kneel, or sit in quiet contemplation. It was strategically located away from others, ensuring minimal disruptions. Communicate to your family members when you are in these spaces, creating a sacred environment that respects your time with the divine.
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Matthew 7:7 KJV
Incorporate God into Daily Activities:
Incorporate God into your daily activities. Invite Him into your conversations, decisions, and routines. What to cook, how to decorate, what to watch, what to listen to. Recognize His presence in the mundane and the extraordinary. By consciously involving God in your day-to-day life, you not only deepen your connection with Him but also cultivate an awareness of His guidance in all aspects of your existence.
Encourage Family Devotional Times:
Encourage family members to come together for devotional times. This is probably the most difficult for me to do on a consistent basis. There are times when I find myself caught up in the busyness of life, much like Martha in the Bible. However, I have experienced the positive impact of such devotional practices in the past, and I am contemplating reintegrating them into our weekly routine as I’m writing this blog. This can involve reading and discussing sacred texts, sharing personal reflections, and engaging in collective prayer. Family devotions provide an opportunity to bond spiritually, reinforcing the idea that God is at the center of your home and family life.
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8-9 KJV
Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude:
Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Acknowledge and appreciate the blessings in your life, both big and small. Create a gratitude journal where you regularly jot down moments of thankfulness. Gratitude opens the door to God's presence, creating a positive and appreciative atmosphere within your home.
In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:28 NIV
Listen to Uplifting Music and Worship:
Incorporate music that aligns with your spiritual beliefs. Whether it's hymns, devotional music, or worship songs, music can be a powerful tool to elevate the spiritual atmosphere in your home.
Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Psalm 95:1 ESV
Cultivating God's presence in your home is a continuous journey that involves intentional practices and a mindful approach to daily living. Through prayer, active involvement, family devotions, gratitude, and worship, you can transform your home into a sacred space where the divine presence is not just acknowledged but actively embraced