The Quiet Presence of Jesus

When CW is close by, I am often more aware of what I say to others and how I say it. That goes for my actions as well. I’ve come up with three reasons that may be.

First, I care what he thinks of me. I don’t want him to cringe at something that comes out of my mouth that never should have made it past my lips. Nor do I want him to be embarrassed by a thoughtless act of mine.

Second, I realize my words and actions reflect on him, as his do on me, because we are husband and wife. I want to represent him in such a way that others will think well of him.

And third, his presence reminds me of who I am and who I want to be. It doesn’t stifle me in any way, but it reminds me that I am his wife and that I want to grow in kindness and all the other good qualities I see in him.

It shouldn’t matter if CW is physically present. Whether he is or not, I still care what he thinks and I still want to reflect well on him. However, his tangible presence more easily evokes my desired outcomes, much like a child being on his best behavior when his parent is in the room.

Though CW is a tremendous influence on my life, Jesus has an even greater impact. Ultimately, I care what Jesus, my Creator and Redeemer, thinks of me. As a follower of his, it is Jesus I represent with my life. And it is Jesus I want to be more like.

And, like with CW’s presence, awareness of Jesus’ nearness has a positive effect on my words and actions. Though I know Jesus is always with me—Holy Spirit lives in me (1 Corinthians 3:16)—it is easy for busyness, troubles, or emotions to nudge Jesus from that conscious position. When that happens, it’s easy to revert to acting like a child whose parent has left the room.

One of the ladies in my Bible study group gave each of us a miniature Jesus, barely over 1 ¼” tall. They are mini reminders of his presence in our lives. She has enjoyed giving them to friends and family members. She has even left them on grocery store shelves with a message to “please take me with you.”

My mini Jesus has found a home among a small collection of sheep. It seemed an appropriate setting for the Good Shepherd.

Another lady purchased more of them and recently left one in a hotel room on top of the TV. We’re all wondering how long it will be before that one is discovered. She carries her original one with her wherever she goes—which is how Jesus happened to end up in our Bible study.

During one of our studies, something stopped me in mid-sentence. While the other ladies were looking at me, I was looking at a tiny spot on the table. I finally announced, “Jesus is here!” They followed my gaze. Jesus had appeared on the table in our midst. No one had seen him come. (Though he was relatively close to the one who takes him everywhere.) He was just there…quietly present.

The truth is, of course, that Jesus is always present, whether in a Bible study, the grocery, or a hotel room. He is right beside us in every conversation.

Where can I go from your Spirit?
     Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
     if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
     if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
     your right hand will hold me fast.
                          ~Psalm 139:7-10

Sadly, we humans are forgetful beings. But when I remain consciously aware of Jesus’ presence, I am much more likely to remember who I am and why I’m here: I’m a daughter of Almighty God and I’m here to represent Jesus. As a result, my words and actions reflect that more often. I’m not the perfect representative, but I’m ever growing into a better one when I’m mindful of his presence.

Scripture quotation is from NIV.