Evidence of Being in God's Presence

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But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. -- Psalm 1:2-3 (NLT)

While preparing a Bible study to teach at church recently, I was struck by the stark differences between those who walked with God and those who left His presence, never to return. For example, I noticed that after Cain killed Abel and God spoke to him about his wicked deed, Cain left God's presence (Genesis 4:16). He didn't return. That separation trickled down for generations, affecting his grandson, Lamech, who justified killing a man for injuring him (Genesis 4:23). He boasted about it in his song. Over time, evil grew out of control. Yet, the family line of Seth walked with God, living in stark contrast to the rest of the world, and God blessed them. I can see this with people today. These passages demonstrated to me that regularly spending time in the Lord's presence truly transforms our lives.

In Psalm 1, we discover this stark contrast between those who walk with the Lord and those who don't. The psalmist compares the ways of the wicked with those who don't follow the counsel of the wicked. It starts with "those who don't follow the advice of the wicked, stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers," meaning to hang out with them. The psalmist contrasts this by describing godly people. They "delight in the law of the Lord" and "meditate on it day and night". God's people not only read His Word but also find it a joy to read and to prayerfully consider it. God's people thrive in life, nourished by the very Word of God and bearing spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). God blesses and prospers them, sometimes with wealth, but more importantly, with eternal riches that will never fade. God watches over them in all they do (Psalm 1:6). Those who experience God's presence thrive.

Are you having difficulties after spending time with ungodly people? Do you stop reading the Bible, praying, or going to church? If so, I encourage you to spend time with God today in His Word, prayer, and worship. Start with the chapter of this passage, read the whole Psalm, and then read one chapter each day. Pray as you read, letting God examine your heart. Worship God and spend time with other Christians at church. Your perspective on life will be refreshed. When you regularly spend time with God and His people, your life will flourish.

Questions for Reflection:

1. What's happening in your life that draws you away from reading the Bible and praying?

2. Will you open your Bible today, or your Bible app, and begin reading something and let it speak into your life?

3. Will you spend time with God daily, prayerfully reflecting on what you've read, and begin worshiping Him with other Christians once again?