"I can sense God's presence through my little brother," says Cole, age 10. For many with little brothers, sensing God's presence through them would be a most unusual phenomenon. But all things are possible with God.
Cole has more: "When I am bored, I can sense God in my mind talking to me. He makes me relax. When I'm in church, I sing to the Lord. He makes me feel like I always want to sing to him."
We live in a media age where entertainment is available at the flick of a remote control. The idea of being without stimulation long enough to quiet our minds and hear God seems like an idyllic notion only conceivable for people who lived before the modern age. Nowadays, we think we don't have time to wait on God and hear his voice.
"I know God is around me because when I'm crying, I start to think of good things," says Carleigh, 9. "When I'm sad, I think of more good things. When I'm very mad, I start to think of wonderful things."
While some may be waiting for God's presence in a miracle, Carleigh is enjoying God by taking control of her mind. The Bible says, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). God gave us emotions, but he also gave us a mind. Your emotions will respond to whatever you think about.
Taking control over your mind and emotions is the first step to sensing God's presence. The Apostle Paul urged his readers to bring "every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (II Corinthians 10:5).
This kind of vigilance requires aggressive action. As an army general attacks enemy soldiers, we should pursue errant thoughts. Learn your weaknesses. Capture all thoughts contrary to God's will, and put them in prison by claiming Christ's victory over them. By capturing wayward thoughts today, you'll be that much closer to experiencing God's presence and his peace.
"I sense God's presence through the Bible because it tells how to live and worship God," says Erick, 10. "It also is God's living word. It reminds me that God is in my life and guides me."
Several millennia ago, the Psalmist wrote, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105). People in both the ancient and modern worlds have discovered they can depend on the Bible to lead, direct and guide them into God's presence. How amazing that the Master of the universe has condescended to leave us a written record of his workings and ways.
A wise captain wouldn't think of setting sail without map and compass. Neither will a wise person launch out into life's deep waters before studying God's life map, the Bible.
Plenty of high adventure awaits those who live in God's presence. Following the revealed will of God in the Bible will keep us from running aground in life's shallow waters. If you haven't noticed, life's shallows are mired with multitudes living superficial lives. Don't settle for that.
Living in God's presence rescues us from living in our own presence. If we're only aware of our own needs, we've missed the adventure of living a large life. Living in God's presence allows us to see new horizons and tap unimagined resources. When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, he not only rescued us from destruction, he rose, ascended and sent his Spirit to live in us.
"When I wake up in the morning, I say, 'Good morning, God,'" says Laiton, 9. For those of us who are not morning people, Laiton's example is inspiring. The challenge seems obvious. Greet God every morning, and experience the vastness of his grace in the deep waters of his abundant life.
Inspire your children by reading this column with them and visiting the Kids Talk About God website HERE. Bible quotations are from the New King James Version.
Copyright © 2003 Carey Kinsolving