Day 68 – Underground Stream
Here’s a spiritual maxim found among Brother Lawrence’s few possessions after he died. “We must continually apply ourselves so that all our actions, without exception, become a kind of brief conversation with God, not in a contrived manner but coming from the purity and simplicity of our hearts.”
“We must perform all our actions carefully and deliberately, not impulsively or hurriedly, for such would characterize a distracted mind. We must work gently and lovingly with God, asking him to accept our work, and by this continual attention to God we will crush the head of the devil and force the weapons from his hands.”
Deep in the background of our daily lives, we are carrying on a communication link with God our Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier. It’s like an underground stream flowing beneath the surface events of our lives. In simplicity we are connecting with God.
Every so often, even frequently, we reach out and touch that living stream of the Holy Spirit within us. We commune, we worship, we converse with God.
When all of life swirls around us, Christ lives within us: Where the God the Father is continuously communicating his unconditional love to us. Where Christ manifests his presence as real and powerful. Where we get quiet and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit prompting us.
We can discern God’s presence underneath our tiredness, underneath life’s distractions, underneath our feelings, underneath life’s pressures. The sometimes-hidden, sometimes-conscious presence of God is stabilizing us, nourishing us, guiding us, drawing us ever to him and to others.
You might have lost a loved one. Been turned down on a project you’ve been working on for months. Wondered how you could manage your busy schedule. Haven’t slept well in a while.
On one level, you are justifiably concerned and stressed. But on a deeper level you can be experiencing God’s peace. You can be assured that God loves you and he will work all these things out.
You become a living testimony of this reality: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). This center of peace is where Christ dwells within you.
As Brother Lawrence taught, touching this river of peace, you move through your day with God, though busy, without feverish haste or frantic pace. In whatever you’re doing, you work gently and lovingly with God, inviting him into your activities and work. And giving your attention continually to God chisels away the devil’s grip in your life.
Action Step: Memorize Isaiah 41:10. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
This is God’s Word for you today,
Pastor Dave
