Tag: Bible

Experiencing God’s Presence Beyond Worship

I don’t usually speak like this — not because I don’t believe, but because I believe deeply. My struggle isn’t with faith itself, but with how it’s sometimes portrayed; how the church, in its passion to express God’s love, can sometimes end up commercializing what should be sacred and simple.

Lately, that’s been weighing on my heart…

There’s something I haven’t done in a while — just speaking straight from the heart.
Usually, I’d write it all down, but lately, I haven’t had the strength for that. Still, this question has been sitting heavy on my mind, and I don’t want to hold it in any longer. I don’t want to grow cynical about my faith.

So here I am, just putting it out there — hoping that maybe someone will understand what I’m trying to say.

Recently, I was listening to a live worship session. I noticed something that’s always been there. This time, it really struck me. The worship leader said something like, “We’re going to feel the presence of the Lord tonight!”

And I realized how often I hear that phrase — Come and feel the power of God. Come and feel His presence. Experience His love tonight.

It’s everywhere in how gatherings, events, and worship nights are advertised. And it made me pause.

Because sometimes… it feels commercialized.
Almost like we’re trying to sell people an experience — like we’re offering them air, when air is already all around us.

Why do we make it seem like the love or presence of God is something confined to a church building, or a particular atmosphere?
Why can’t we remind people that God’s love can be felt right where they are — in the quiet of a new morning, in good health, in the warmth of family and friends?

Yes, it’s beautiful to gather with others in worship — there’s power and encouragement in community. But we shouldn’t give the impression that that is the only place God’s love resides.

His presence isn’t an event.
It’s existence itself.
Every breath, every sunrise, every moment of peace is proof that His love is still here.

I think we sometimes sensationalize His presence — we turn it into something to be felt rather than lived. But maybe to truly feel the love of God, we also have to love Him in return.

If you don’t carry love for God in your heart, how can you recognize His love when it’s already around you? It’s not that His love arrives only when the music swells or the preacher calls for it — it’s that our hearts finally open to notice it.

Maybe I’m overthinking this. Maybe not.
But it’s something I needed to say — and maybe, someone out there feels the same.

—
(Thank you for reading. If you’ve ever thought about this too, I’d love to hear your perspective.)

Ligo Haibun Challenge- Dewdrops

Googled!

“…for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground, but there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.” – Genesis 2:5&6

She longs to catch a glimpse of what might have been…

Rising long before the Sun,  just as creation made her, she steps out of her abode and onto the freshly cut lawn- The silent twilight greeting her.

Only moments outside, yet all too quickly her skin is wrapped in  perspiration, not of her own but Gaya’s- Fresh and cool; Wet grass embracing her feet- The total experience causing her to shiver… She’s cold. Finally bearing witness to Genesis 2:6… “The Mist that waters the face of the Earth” lay thick in the atmosphere and all around her.

She stills her naked body in the middle of the open space and is cloaked by the light fog around her; Eyes closed, she fills her lungs with Gaya’s cold breath- Embracing the silence of the slowly coming Morn.

…. In that moment she is in Eden.

Tears mix with Dewdrops...
 Insanity born from faith
 ...Her faith... her madness.
Ligo Haibun Challenge- Dewdropsligo-challenge_logo