“That which . . .. we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes,
which we have looked at and our hands have touched –
this we proclaim concerning the word of life.” (1 John 1:1)

Our times of communion with God through prayer help us cultivate a sense of greater awareness of God’s presence. With it we have multiple benefits.

(a) At various points in life, we realize that human companionship has its limits.

Even the best of friends cannot always be on hand when we are most in need. (There are times when we don’t have their understanding.) Then there are times when we are sorely hurt by their disloyalty. Sometimes, they relocate or even die. So, when we depend solely on others for our companionship needs, we are setting ourselves up for utter frustration. But “there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24 NIV)

It is indeed comforting to know that He has been “tempted in every way as we are,” (Hebrews 4:15) and therefore He understands us when no one else does. This is a friend who always cares enough to listen, never fails to communicate, always expresses concern and affection, is patient and forgiving when we grieve Him and remains a loyal friend even when we neglect Him for prolonged periods of time for, He is a friend who can be heard, seen, and touched (1 John 1:1 NIV)

When David was hounded by Saul, he fled as a fugitive and lived in hiding, though in fact, he was the anointed king of the land. In those dark hours of his life, we see him exercising his will to praise God even when he must not have felt like it, I am sure.

Anne Graham Lotz reminds us that “praise is the switch that turns on the light of joy in our lives even when it’s ‘dark’ outside. And the resulting ‘light’ causes others to see the glory of God in our lives.”

(b) Perhaps like me, you too have lived long enough to know your journey will not be void of storms.

There are no exceptions to the rule: but an awareness of God’s presence will equip you with the confidence to face those storms knowing that you will be able to handle anything life dishes out, with God’s strength. Yes, you plus God are the winning team!

(c) The more time you spend at the Master’s feet in prayer, the more of His reflection your life will bear.

Compassion is one such quality we see rubbed off for sure on the disciple John.

Today, when we face adversity, let us learn the secret of victory is a conscious choice to praise God.Time and time again, David enjoyed the companionship of God as he cried out to Him in prayer with utmost confidence. (Psalm 13:5, 6 NIV) And as we chose to enter His presence for concentrated times of prayer, may we also witness the transformation of our lives through the compassion of Christ. (1 John 4:8 NIV)

May our experience in His presence speak loud and clear to the world around us.