155. The Gift of Presence — Aneel Aranha

Hello and welcome to The Hope Podcast. I'm Aneel Aranha. Today, we will talk about how being truly present can be one of the greatest gifts we can offer to others and to ourselves.

In our hyper-connected world, it's ironically easy to be physically present but mentally absent. We're often so busy thinking about the next thing on our to-do list or scrolling through our phones that we miss the moments and people right in front of us.

Jesus, however, modeled a different way. Despite the constant demands on his time and attention, he was always fully present with those he encountered. Whether it was a desperate father seeking healing for his child (Mark 5:21-43) or a despised tax collector looking for acceptance (Luke 19:1-10), Jesus gave them his undivided attention.

The Bible reminds us of the importance of presence in Proverbs 17:17, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity." Being present, especially in times of difficulty, is a profound expression of love.

Moreover, being present allows us to experience the fullness of life God intends for us. Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). We can't experience this abundant life if we're always distracted by worries about the future or regrets about the past.

So, how can we cultivate the gift of presence in our lives? First, practice mindfulness. This doesn't mean emptying your mind, but rather focusing fully on the present moment, acknowledging it as a gift from God. As the psalmist reminds us, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

Second, put away distractions when interacting with others. Give them your full attention, listening not just with your ears, but with your heart. James advises us to be "quick to listen, slow to speak" (James 1:19).

Third, be present in your prayers. Instead of rushing through a list of requests, take time to be still in God's presence. As the psalmist says over here, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).

Remember, being present isn't about being perfect. It's about being intentional. It's about choosing to engage fully with the people and moments God has placed in your life.

Try these things today, dear friend. Put away your phone during meals. Really listen when someone is speaking to you. Take a few moments to be still and aware of God's presence. You might be surprised at how much richer your experiences become.

God bless you.