Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28 NLT

Do you have any collections of little things that bring you joy? I have a friend who collects heart-shaped rocks. My grandmother collected milk glass; the cookie jar from her collection now sits on my kitchen shelf. I have a habit of collecting something a little unusual: questions. I love good questions, and they’re ideal to collect because they don’t need to be dusted.

Recently, I heard someone pose a question about the practice of being present with God in the moment. Her question was simply: Is this a luxury or a spiritual discipline? I think this is a great question because how we answer it has significant implications. So, is practicing the presence of God a luxury or a discipline? My answer: it’s both—and something else. Let me explain.

It could be considered a luxury. Often, when we think about practicing being present with God, we picture having a set-apart time to spend in quiet solitude. Even though my life has felt a little too hectic lately, if years ago, when I was in the thick of raising young children, I had had a window to peek into my life now, I would be green with envy for the amount of time I have available to spend in “quiet time.” I still find myself longing for more, but I am thankful for this season. What could also be considered a luxury is when we are not in a state of crisis. Not being in crisis lends itself more easily to moments of reflection, which help us acknowledge God’s presence in any moment. The problem with viewing time spent intentionally in God’s presence as a luxury is that, like most luxuries, I’m tempted to think I can’t afford it. At best, considering time spent in intentional recognition of God’s presence a luxury can produce an enormous amount of gratitude for it. At worst, labeling it a luxury could mean perceiving it as something only available for special occasions, rather than something for everyday life.

It can also be a discipline. According to Dallas Willard, a spiritual discipline is an “activity within our power that we can engage in to enable us to do what we cannot do by direct effort.”* Spiritual disciplines are important because they shape us. In some ways, I prefer to think of practicing being still before the Lord as a discipline because it gives me a sense of agency. If calling it a luxury makes it feel out of reach, calling it a spiritual discipline puts it on my “to do” list.

This is what I know for sure about slowing down to acknowledge God’s presence in the moment: it’s accepting an invitation. Jesus tells us to come to Him, and He will give us rest (Matthew 11:28). God is like a tender, compassionate father, welcoming us like children (Psalm 103:13). He is a good Shepherd who leads us to peace (Psalm 23). We are invited to remain in His love (John 15:9). Taking time to slow our hearts, minds, and bodies and accept these invitations is a true gift. Is it a luxury? Perhaps. Is it something that requires some intentional effort on our part? Yes. But ultimately, it’s more like walking through a door where a welcome mat has been laid out for us, and stepping into the reality of God’s love.

Lord, you are the Giver of good gifts. Thank you for your compassion and lovingkindness, always welcoming us to come to You. Help us resist the urge to make excuses for our striving and distractions. May we take You up on Your generous offer to rest in You. It is such a grace. Amen.

In His Love,
Jayna Venturini                                                                                                                                                      *From Running Into Reality, Chapter 4, page 353.

Sweet Selah Ministries

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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