I spend far too much time working on success and pleasure. I spend far too little time in the presence of God. Only the presence of God will complete me. Only the presence of God will bring me joy.
To find the presence of God, consider studying verses about His presence:
Jeremiah 29:13 ESV You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Psalm 145:18 ESV The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Matthew 5:8 ESV“ Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
David entered the presence of the Lord by praising the Lord. Consider working on the habit of saying: “Praise the Lord,” many times per day.
Second, we stay pure in heart when we turn from temptation. Consider praying:
“Father, keep me from temptation, and please bring me into Your presence.”
Finally, consider quoting Psalms 23:
Psalm 23:1-6 ESV The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
If I want to be complete, if I want to have joy, I need to work on being in the presence of the Lord instead of chasing success, pleasure, or ________.
Finally, we can enter the presence of the Lord at any time. Simply repent fully, and follow the above steps, or simply spend a block of time in prayer.
The presence of the Lord is better than anything else.
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