“The Posture of Presence”

Lately, I’ve been soaking in Psalm 119, and one truth keeps rising to the surface: our walk with Christ always comes back to the posture of our hearts. The psalmist uses words like I, me, and my, reminding us that the responsibility to follow God rests with us. We can hear all the sermons, read all the Scriptures, and attend every church service, but until we make a conscious choice to obey, we are being just like the Pharisees, they followed what they were taught on the surface level, it appeared that they were doing all the right things but as we can see if they truly wanted to know the teachings of the Torah and the rest of the Old Testament, that same God that they said was for them and only them would have revealed all they need to know. However, they were content with doing just the bare minimum. I tell you now, it is time you make a decision and pick a side. Are you going to look the part on the outside but miss the heart of God on the inside?

Jesus is calling us higher: “Abide in Me, and I in you” (John 15:4-5). To abide means to remain, to stay, to be present. It’s not about checking a box or doing the bare minimum—it’s about living in unbroken fellowship with Him. Only then can we bear fruit and walk in the Spirit.

God pressed this deeper truth through Exodus 24:12, where He told Moses, “Come up to Me into the mount, and be there.” That last phrase—and be there—stands out. Isn’t going up the mountain already being there? Yet the Lord was showing that it is possible to be physically present but mentally and spiritually absent. How often does someone sit down to study only for their mind to wander to the tasks of the day? Or sit in Sunday school while already thinking about the week ahead? Even in the grocery store, the mind often races to the next responsibility. And let’s be honest—many times, even in conversation, thoughts are on what’s next. God calls His people to be fully present with Him—body, mind, and spirit.

And here’s the connection: unless our heart posture is right, we’ll struggle to truly abide and to be present. When our hearts are turned inward—on our pain, our plans, or our pride—we miss the opportunities God places right in front of us. But when our hearts are surrendered and aligned with His, we see how vital it is that each part of the body works together (1 Corinthians 12:12).

We can’t do this apart from the Vine. We need Him, and we need each other.

Reflection Questions:

·       How is the posture of my heart—am I surrendered or just going through motions?

·       Am I truly abiding in Christ, or am I distracted by everything else?

·       Where is God asking me to “be there”—fully present with Him and others?

Prayer:
Lord, align my heart with Yours. Teach me to abide in You, to be fully present in Your presence, and to walk in step with Your Spirit. Help me not just look the part but live the part, bearing fruit that glorifies You. Amen.