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Years ago, as Brother Lawrence was gazing at a barren tree during the winter, he realized that spring would cause that barren tree to bloom and blossom. He compared himself to that tree and envisioned a relationship with God that was intimate and fruitful. So he set out on a journey to practice the presence of God. He practiced God’s presence as he cooked meals, scrubbed pots, ran errands, and, yes, endured the scorn of the world. His experience was similar to that of David found in Psalm 62. David writes, “I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. … Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” We may not have identical experiences as David or Brother Lawrence, but since God invites His people to have intimate relationships with Himself, we might well begin the journey.
