Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. Psalm 119:164
“Pray remember what I have recommended to you, which is, to think often on God, by day, by night, in your business, and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave Him not alone. You would think it rude to leave a friend alone, who came to visit you: why then must God be neglected? Do not then forget Him, but think on Him often, adore Him continually, live and die with Him; this is the glorious employment of a Christian; in a word, this is our profession, if we do not know it we must learn it. I will endeavor to help you with my prayers, and am yours in our Lord.”
Brother Lawrence (c. 1614-1691) in The Practice of the Presence of God: The Best Rule of Holy Life (Grand Rapids: CCEL) 26.
One of my colleagues was just saying to me recently that the unemployment rate is very high in the USA and around the world. And then I read this excerpt from Brother Lawrence.
“Do not then forget Him, but think on Him often, adore Him continually, live and die with Him; this is the glorious employment of a Christian; in a word, this is our profession, if we do not know it we must learn it.”
Here’s what struck me. When we pursue this profession, that is, practicing the presence of God, we always have something to share! Let me explain.
I resolved yesterday to start praying the Psalms on the Divine Hours (mark your calendar to pause at 6am, 9am, 12noon, 3pm, 6pm, 9pm, and midnight or sometime between 9pm and 6am, depending on whether you are a morning or night person).
It was actually a super busy day. But something amazing happened. The Psalms I read corresponded to what was going on. The Scriptures nourished me. I shared verses with others. It was so enriching. And positioned me to be generous.
Care to join me. It’s glorious employment that positions us for generous sharing.