Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God..." This verse invites us to linger peacefully, aware of God's presence. *** Note: The Hebrew/Greek words for linger mean not just a passive staying but an active, intentional, and relational stance.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the pressures of life? Do you struggle to find peace and strength? Perhaps you need to take a moment to linger in His presence. The word "linger" is one we don't use often, but it is a powerful word when it comes to our relationship with God. Linger means to stay in a place longer than necessary, to remain in a state, or to be slow to leave. Today, we will explore how to find peace and strength by lingering in God's presence through a sermon built around the word, linger.
L - is for Listen:
The first step to lingering in God's presence is to listen. When we read the Bible and listen for His voice, He speaks to us. Listening is not just hearing but actively seeking to understand what God is saying. We should take the time to be still and receive the peace and strength that come when we listen to Him. Through prayer and meditation, we invite God to speak to our hearts.
I - is for Inner Self:
The second step to lingering in God's presence is to be true to our inner self. We must take the time to examine our hearts and confess our sins to God. When we are honest with ourselves and God, we open our hearts to His grace and forgiveness. The deeper we go into our inner self, the more we grow in our relationship with God.
N - is for Nurture:
The third step to lingering in God's presence is to nurture our relationship with Him. This includes praying, reading the Bible, attending church, and fellowship with other believers. We must carve out time in our busy schedules to prioritize our relationship with God. By doing so, we will find nourishment for our souls and the strength to face whatever life throws our way.
G - is for Gratitude:
The fourth step to lingering in God's presence is to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. When we focus on what we are thankful for, we naturally shift our perspective to a more positive one. It is easy to get caught up in the negative aspects of life, but when we take the time to reflect on what God has done for us, we are reminded of His goodness and faithfulness. Gratitude leads to joy and peace.
E - is for Empower:
The final step to lingering in God's presence is to be empowered. We should seek to live our lives in a way that brings glory to God. This means letting go of our desires and surrendering to His will for our lives. When we do this, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life that is pleasing to God. We can find peace and strength knowing we are living out our purpose and making a difference in the world.
Conclusion:
In our fast-paced and chaotic world, it can be challenging to find peace and strength. But by lingering in God's presence, we can see the nourishment our souls need to face whatever life throws our way. The word linger may not be used often, but it is powerful when it comes to our relationship with God. Through listening, being true to our inner selves, nurturing our relationship with Him, cultivating gratitude, and being empowered, we can find the peace and strength we need to live a life that brings glory to God. So take the time to linger in His presence and discover the joy and peace that come with living in the presence of our Lord and Savior.
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