Sermon On Presence

Tara Brach, an American psychologist and author once remarked: “In any moment, no matter how lost we feel, we can take refuge in presence and love. We need only pause, breathe, and open to the experience of aliveness within us. In that wakeful openness, we come home to the peace and freedom of our natural awareness.” Psalm 16:11 confirms: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Presence is defined as the state or fact of existing, occurring or being present. It may also refer to an existence that is present, but is not seen. In religion, spirituality and theology this undoubtedly includes the presence of God amongst us. God is constantly with us, no matter what we do, even if we are confronted to run the race of life.

God often makes Himself known to us and reveals His presence through Scripture for our survival. Some may fear Him, but that is often with just cause, we can’t hide ourselves away from God if we do wrong, He is too erudite for that. However, if we are truly repentant, then He is merciful and forgiving. Jeremiah 23:23-24 reminds us: “Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord.”

Exodus 19:16-19 tells of God speaking in sounds of thunder which may disconcert some: “On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly. And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder.”

The evidence is clear, God is an all-seeing, all-knowing God. We don't need to be in fear of Him or be afraid to talk with Him. If we have problems, He is always willing to listen. We can open our hearts and reveal all in prayer. He will not usually answer in thunder to frighten us, but with calm, comfort and love to reassure us. Exodus 33:14 confirms: And he said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

Baba Hari Dass, an Indian yoga master and silent monk once remarked: "Cultivate a sympathetic heart, humility in dealings, and selflessness in action. If these are practiced with earnestness and sincerity, then you will win the race of life." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 confirms: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

The race of life has been referred to as a repetitive and individual battle for survival, but equates to many circumstances in life. However, there is one important factor that remains a necessity for this particular event to be run, and that is a presence. Without that, everything remains static and the race can never begin. It may refer to the way that one approaches the different challenges encountered on a daily basis or perhaps an intended ultimate goal that one hopes for. The primary objective, is to achieve the best result possible and not to accept second place as the norm. Running, in its many forms, has reputedly been in existence for thousands of years.

Sport stems back to Pre-Christian times. The format is usually described as a competition between others, whether that has been ascertained as just two particular players, or several opponents. They may take place on a friendly basis at an amateur level, or progress right up to professional standard.

Sport features prominently in many people's lives. Sometimes it is a focused and essential ingredient of one's existence. Whether they perform on an amateur, professional level, or just as a supporter, the participation often excites and feeds the nutriment of satisfaction.

The disciplines associated with sport are many, they may include football, rugby, tennis, swimming, or athletics to name but a few. However, there is one common required factor applicable to all, and that is endurance. Romans 5:3-4 reminds us: “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”