How do we experience well-being as a result of keeping the Lord in view?
Practicing God’s presence requires effort and self-control, and therefore we need to know why we are doing it. King David describes four benefits in Psalm 16:7–11.
Why Practice God’s Presence?
1. To receive God’s counsel
Psalm 16:7 says, “I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.”
David says this happens to him day and night. As he goes through his day doing his work and thinking about God regularly, wisdom comes to his mind. As he considers his way, he knows what to do. As he lays in bed thinking about his life, still practicing God’s presence, God directs his thoughts, emotions, and will.
2. To have confidence
Psalm 16:8 says, “I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.”
As David faced the challenges of life, he kept God in view. As a result, God was bigger in his mind than his problems.
We fall into fear and worry only when our problems loom larger in our thoughts than God’s ability and control.
3. To hope in ultimate salvation
Psalm 16:9–11 says, “9 my flesh also dwells secure. 10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. 11 You make known to me the path of life”
David speaks here about what will happen to him after he dies. He is confident God will not leave him in “Sheol,” which is the Hebrew word for where the soul goes after death. He is confident the ultimate destiny of his “flesh” is not “corruption,” that is, his body left in the grave.
Instead, because David walks with God, God shows him “the path of life.” David knows his ultimate destiny is life. He is walking in God’s ways, so God will give him life after death.
Those who practice God’s presence do not fear death. His presence brings confidence in his promises and a constant awareness of the reality of God and heaven.
4. To know fulness of joy
Psalm 16:9, 11 says, “Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices…. in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Many think happiness ends when you walk with God. But the reality is, those who practice God’s presence have the most joy.
Believers who do not practice God’s presence suffer many of the same torments as unbelievers: fear, worry, anger, despair, discouragement, and so on. They have not learned to trust and love God fully.
Joy and pleasure are God’s idea and his creation. So the closer we get to him, the happier we are and the more pleasurable life is.
There are many more benefits to practicing God’s presence—the greatest of course being God’s presence—but just these four show how worthwhile it is.
What benefits do you experience from practicing God’s presence? Share them with the rest of us in the comments area below.