Living in two realms simultaneously—the visible world and the unseen eternal reality—requires intentional practices that cultivate an awareness of God’s presence in everyday life. Here are ways to maintain this dual consciousness:
1. Start with Prayer and Meditation
- Begin each day by centering yourself through prayer or meditation. Invite God into your day and ask for awareness of His presence as you move through life.
- Practice short “breath prayers” throughout the day, such as silently repeating, “Lord, help me see You in this moment.”
- “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” — Mark 1:35
2. See the Sacred in the Ordinary
- View your daily tasks as acts of worship. Whether washing dishes or working at your job, recognize God’s hand in the ordinary.
- Reflect on how the natural world around you points to the Creator. A sunrise, a kind gesture, or even the rhythm of your breathing can remind you of God’s nearness.
- “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23
- “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31
3. Cultivate Gratitude
- Gratitude shifts your focus from earthly distractions to divine blessings. Keep a journal or pause frequently to thank God for His gifts, both seen and unseen.
- “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” — Psalm 100:4
- “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18
4. Stay Grounded in Scripture
- Regularly immerse yourself in God’s Word, which bridges the seen and unseen. Meditating on verses like 2 Corinthians 4:18—“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal”—helps keep your focus eternal.
5. Practice the Presence of God
- This concept, championed by Brother Lawrence in The Practice of the Presence of God, involves a constant awareness of God’s presence in all things. Speak with Him as a close friend throughout the day, even in mundane tasks.
- For we live by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7
6. Fellowship and Community
- Surround yourself with others who are also striving to live with this dual awareness. Share insights, encouragement, and accountability with fellow believers. Messages From The Road at 7:30 am each morning is a great way to achieve this.
- “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” — Matthew 5:8
- “The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.” — Proverbs 17:27
7. Embrace Silence and Solitude
- Set aside time to step away from distractions and tune your heart to God. Silence helps you become more attuned to His still, small voice amid the noise of life.
- “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” — Psalm 46:10
8. Act with Eternity in Mind
- Let your decisions and actions reflect eternal values, such as love, kindness, and justice. This eternal perspective shifts your priorities and aligns you with God’s purposes.
- “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 3:20
9. Surrender the Temporal
- Recognize the transient nature of material possessions, achievements, and struggles. Trust that God’s unseen reality holds the ultimate meaning and fulfillment.
- “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” — Colossians 3:2
10. Be Mindful of the Spirit’s Promptings
- Pay attention to the nudges of the Holy Spirit, which often guide you toward opportunities to love, serve, and grow closer to God.
- “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” — Galatians 5:25
By consistently practicing these habits, you can live with one foot in the visible world and the other in God’s eternal reality, walking consciously in His presence as you navigate life’s “dusty paths.”