Definition: “The sense of being in particular place and time.” {Psychology Dictionary, April 2023)
I was moved by the Spirit this morning to write this meditation, for several reasons. One reason is that it can benefit the church. Second, it can benefit the workplace. Third it can benefit the home. Before I type one more sentence, let me encourage you to share what you read with at least one member of your church, one manager in your workplace, and one main authority who heads up a house. Don’t be afraid, you will just be having a sense of presence.
In the Old Testament, God had a sense of presence among His people. In the New Testament, during Jesus’ ministry on earth, He had a sense of presence among the multitudes. After Jesus’ ascension back to heaven, He sent us the Holy Spirit, and He has a sense of presence that is manifested in the lives of believers. A sense of presence is important.
When I worked in the secular world, I would walk the entire workplace at least three times a day. I would walk the floor of this building, a half mile long, on both shifts. I would also ask my human resources staff to be available at the entry/exit door at the beginning and end of shifts to greet associates arriving to work and to wish them a good day as they departed, as well as being available, approachable, and of assistance if they needed help. A sense of presence is important.
As a lead pastor since 1990, I have seldom missed anything and participate in every ministry that I can in some way or the other. No age range is targeted, for I know that for the youngest child and the oldest adult, a sense of presence is important. Members can text me or call me at all hours, and they know how to call my wife if I did not answer the phone. I don’t begrudge being “bothered,” for actually it is not a bother. Why so? Because a sense of presence is important.
In the home, while I was not the perfect father, I believe I contributed to the success of all my children. I believe that is because in the house I needed to have a sense of presence. Saturday mornings was always a time for an outing for the children because of recognizing the impact of having a sense of presence. I was not just a “Daddy,” but I was a father. A sense of presence is important. I remain available to them when they have questions or need to quietly vent to someone they can trust. A sense of presence is important.
Tomorrow is Sunday. I will be in the house of the Lord. I will have a sense of presence, with the help of the Lord. I hope you are present in the house of the Lord as well, to encourage someone. Even if you mistakenly feel you don’t need church anymore, the church needs you. By just being in the house of God you will be a living epistle that includes a line that worshipping the Lord is something our worthy God and loving Savior deserve, and your letter will say, “My worship is for real, and it is really necessary.” Show up my friend and have a sense of purpose.
Don’t let the habits formed doing the pandemic keep you away. Don’t let the high tech, virtual alternative keep you from joining the other saints if at all possible. Don’t join the tremendous numbers that are fleeing from our churches. On the contrary, be one of the saints who contribute to the growing of the Lord’s churches. Remember, a sense of purpose is important. One more thing, just as it was true with God’s people in the past, it will be true today: The Lord will be with you. Be blessed!
“My Presence will go with you…” (Exodus 33:14 NIV)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King