This is the last word from my post, Peace, Patience, and Presence. I exchanged the word present for being present in the body of the post to be clear. It is the result of being active or being present in the moments of your life. God’s peace works on your patience. Your patience works on your presence. There are several benefits to being present.
First you have more mental energy for the moment in which you are present. You let go of distractions. 1 Corinthians 7:35 – “I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.” I believe that when you are focused on what you are doing in the moment, being present with friends and family, even at work, life is much more enjoyable.
Other benefits include less emotional stress because you are not worried about what you cannot control. In this case, being present means you have given whatever your needs and challenges are to the Lord. Proverbs 12:25a -“Worry weighs a person down…” (NLT) From our life experiences, we know this to be true. Matt 6:25 – “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food, and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food and your body more than clothing?” Jesus goes on to tell us to “seek the Kingdom of God above all and He will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33. (NLT).
Being focused on one thing, engaged in the here and now; not stuck in the past or the future seems very simple. As we give our cares and worries to God, we are free to thrive. When we find our hearts heavy with things out of our control, we become burdened. Jesus has said for us who are weary and heavy burdened to lay those burdens at His feet. We are then free to live life more abundantly. This helps with our mental health as well. Our minds are not burdened with things we can’t control. Instead, our minds are focused on our heavenly Father through Jesus Christ.
I get that being in the moment may seem very simple, however, not easy. Our minds takes us different places. It takes practice. Being mindful and present requires your action and commitment.
Be blessed, in the name of Jesus…
