Rev. Reed Lee Pedersen's
I joined a group of pastors last week and the question arose about feeling God in the present. Most of us answered that knowing God is always present is absolute, but feeling God in the present is a definite place for growth. Sunday morning I had a discussion with parishioners about this same question, “When have you felt God’s presence in your life?” I was struck by some of the answers. In the long run, like with the pastor group, I found people mostly using language of the head (knowing) rather than language of the heart (feeling). I am not trying to belittle or undermine what it is to know the truth of God and of God’s presence in our lives. I would just like to also bring to your attention the importance of feeling God’s presence in our heart, soul, and bones. This is a more mystic approach to interacting with God, but in the Lutheran tradition it is commonly thrown to the side because it is uncomfortable. What does it mean to feel God’s presence? Can you think of a time when you felt overcome with a deep sense of awe, peace, love, or feeling God right there with you? There’s a story from a previous parishioner of feeling God literally pushing her in the back to go see her friend who may not live to see the next day. She felt God pushing her to be her friend’s support. Upon her arrival her friend thought she was an angel telling her to keep fighting. Her body miraculously recovered thanks to doctors, but also thanks to her body’s newfound spiritual determination to be healed. Personally speaking, I remember the feeling and fire of God’s call to “do something!” upon listening to my home pastor’s sermon. I don’t remember the sermon but I definitely remember the feeling. This is the same feeling which grew into a full blown call to ministry. For our high school youth who were surrounded by 30,000 kids just like them praising God, you have no choice but to feel God’s presence. In the middle of silent prayer and meditation you can feel God helping you answer the questions on your heart. God’s presence and direction in my life is often seen in hindsight. I look back at moments in my life and I can see how God was with me, supporting me, and loving me. Hindsight is all well and good, but I strive to maybe listen and feel God in the moment better. This means allowing myself to welcome interruptions. This means making time to pray God rather than trying to find it. This means accepting God’s hand and direction in my life at all times. In the moment asking how God might be calling me to share the Love shown to us for others. This means constantly thanking God for the gift of the spectacular now. This is a growth area for me and perhaps it is a growth area for you. Please take a look at the ‘Points to Ponder’ to see if there is anything you would be willing to try to be more active in feeling God’s presence. Blessings and peace be with you always!!!! Point to Ponder:
Please note: If you want to watch a good movie (and love Miles Teller) give ‘The Spectacular Now’ a chance. It’s a high school Romance drama worth your time.
1 Comment
Richard Rehn
1/15/2019 05:56:09 pm
Thank you Pastor from the wilds of Arizona! Good stuff!
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AuthorPastor Reed is a first call pastor at Augustana Lutheran Church in Andover, Illinois. Archives
July 2019
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