Recently, I was gently reminded by God to be diligent in practising His presence.

This can be a tall order for many of us, especially when we live in such a busy world where activities swirl around us constantly. There are also many distractions in the form of entertainment, work commitments, and personal challenges. Even doing good or being involved in ministry can be a distraction at times. We think of Martha in Luke 10:38-42.

Ministry is good; however, if it takes away our attention and first love, it is an obstacle in our relationship with God. The issue is not about stopping our involvement in ministry in order to wait on God more. The key issue is Priority. Our priority for God must supersede our priority for ministry and others.

Concerns for needs –  be it breakthrough in our spiritual life, restoration of relationships, promotion at work – can draw us away from truly encountering God. Why? Because we get so fixated on our needs, and desperate in our prayers that we pray what we want to hear.

Such prayers oftentimes do not work. Actually, speaking from personal experiences, the more desperate I am, the more quiet I need to be before God. Struggling drains our energy. Struggling only increases frustration.

So, let’s shift our priorities. Let’s trust and believe that God knows our needs before we even utter them on our lips. Well, you can say in some sense that God reads your mind. But when we learn to prioritize seeking God – seeking ONLY Him – things come into proper alignment. When we take up the position or posture of waiting on HIM, this is the time where God speaks to us. 

So, read on for more principles for waiting on God. 

1. Waiting on God takes time. You cannot rush it.  

2. Waiting on God requires the preparation of our hearts and minds. We need to learn to put aside our concerns for ministry, family, prayer needs, work, etc. Commit everything to the Lord. The word ‘commit’ carries the picture of a camel kneeling down with its owners untying the burden and rolling it off the camel’s back. When we roll off (commit) our everything to God, we are ready for Him.

3. Waiting on God requires us to download our worries and frustration.

4. Waiting on God requires us to PAUSE and LISTEN. Don’t just talk to God, allow Him to talk with you. Take time to wait. Solitude is something that is uncommon in our modern world now. Take time to unplug the iPOD or DVD player. Practise quietness with anticipation.

5. Waiting clarifies our vision, mission and values. When God speaks, we know it clearly. Then we can move on to hear and obey.

Writing this post has refreshed my spirit and soul; I hope you are blessed as well! I know that God is calling a generation of GOD LOVERS who will learn to practise His presence. Out of that intimacy, GOD LOVERS turned RESOULTE DISCIPLES will execute the Father’s will with clarity, decisiveness and obedience.

Join me to practise God’s presence today.

Rev. Bryan Tan

Bryan Tan Ministries

Lifting People into their Destinies