“He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God only.” – C. S. Lewis
How many friends or followers do you have on social media? Human nature compels you toward relationships. You want people to like your posts, know your name, and look at you when you enter the room. While it hurts to be ignored or considered irrelevant, you are gratified to be welcomed as part of the inner circle. That yearning, never satisfied by human relationships (or social media), points to something far more glorious.
In The Weight of Glory Lewis writes, “But we pine. The sense that in this universe we are treated as strangers, the longing to be acknowledged, to meet with some response, to bridge some chasm that yawns between us and reality, is part of our inconsolable secret. The promise of glory becomes highly relevant to our deep desire. For glory means good report with God, acceptance by God, and welcome into the heart of things.” Nothing less than the presence of God is what we truly desire.
God created humans that way, and throughout history He met that need. He appeared to Adam and Eve, Abraham, and Moses. He was in the garden, the fiery furnace, and the temple. As the people returned to Jerusalem after their exile to Babylon, the Lord declared, “Behold I am coming and I will dwell in your midst. Many nations will join themselves to the Lord in that day and will become My people” (Zech. 2:10-11). By this the Lord opened up the invitation to enjoy His presence.
He ultimately fulfilled the promise of His presence by stepping into His creation as Emmanuel, “God with us.” He “became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory.” His presence was not just for that moment. As Jesus told His disciples, “I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am there you may be also.” He promised that the Father would send the Helper, the Spirit of truth, saying, “You know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.” (Matt. 1:23, John 1:14, 14:3,17). God is present for you.
The writings of Brother Lawrence popularized “the practice of the presence of God.” Awareness of God in each moment brings you peace, empathy, and contentment. It is an ongoing reminder that your identity and destiny are in Christ. Your awareness of the reality of God becomes apparent to the people around you as you live for the divine accolade, “Well done good and faithful servant.”
As you travel through this life and gain relationships, remember the One who made your journey possible and prepared your ultimate destination. To have God is to have enough. Enjoy His presence.