In my three previous posts I urged us to be winsome witnesses to others who are watching how we live our lives. Winsome: appealing, engaging, captivating. As opposed to judging, condemning, repelling.

In the most recent post I gave us the third of 5 Life Attitudes that serves as a ​winsome witness: ​Overflow with Hope. You may want to read that if you haven’t already.

Each Life Attitude deserves time for thought and personal reflection. As you read each one, please consider the following brief prayer:

“Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.”
– Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)

I will, too.

4. Embrace God’s Presence

Every now and then, when Christians want to emphasize the spiritual significance of an experience or event we say, “God showed up.” What we, or our friends mean is, the experience went beyond our ability to make it happen; God did it. And that’s right. He did.

But I find that perspective just a little bit off. Actually, about 180 degrees off. The truth of the matter is, that God didn’t just show up a few minutes after we did. He was already there! It was we who showed up and finally became aware of his presence long before us. 

Ps. 139: 7-10 “Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.” 

The almighty God of the universe is present in every encounter we have during the day. He is there as we wrestle with a challenge in our work. He is there as we celebrate a special occasion with friends. He is there when we deal with grief and loss. He is there as we engage in the beauty of creation. He is there when we are confused, afraid, or exhausted. He is there, with you, right now.

What if this attitude became a consistent approach we bring into every encounter we have each day? With an inner attitude of resting in the presence and power of God, we can show up, full of confidence that He is sovereign, and He is in charge.