A “God Is Here” Mindset

His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.

–Psalm 1:2

One of the hindrances to obeying God is the fact that He’s invisible–He is out of sight and therefore out of mind more often than we probably like to admit. So to remedy that, I encourage you to develop what I call a “God is here” mindset.

Think about King David. When we take the long view of David’s life, we see a man who was after God’s own heart. Even though he stumbled big-time with Bathsheba, the general direction of his life was toward God, not away from God. What caused David to love God and serve Him wholeheartedly? In Psalm 16:8, David said, “I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” David set the Lord before him. He had a “God is here” mindset.

I think one way David developed that “God is here” mindset was by meditating on God’s Word. In Psalms, David talked about the blessings of those who meditate on God’s Word day and night (1:2). That’s one of the great benefits of reading Scripture. Let’s face it: Sometimes reading the Bible can be a pretty dry experience. It doesn’t always taste “sweeter than honey” (119:103). Sometimes it’s more like gagging down bran flakes. But do you know why we read the Bible even when we don’t feel like it? God’s Word reminds us of His presence. It changes our mindset.

Another way David set the Lord before him was through music. Listening to Christian music helps you develop a “God is here” mindset. You can also remind yourself of God’s presence in your home with plaques that have God’s Word on them to remind you of His commands. At your office or at your desk at school, have spiritual mementos that remind you of the Lord’s presence. To obey God completely, set the Lord before you continually. Find ways to think about Him all the time.

When you set the Lord continually before you, it will be easier to obey God in all His commands. Maybe there’s an area of your life where God has shown you something you need to do, but you’ve been hesitant to obey Him. Saying “Yes, Lord” to whatever that is, is the first step in developing an obeying heart.

Today’s devotion is adapted from “Developing an Obeying Heart” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2008.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org.