My last post talked about the idea that knowledge without experience is not sufficient for us to live a life with-God. But experienced can be pursued and gained in the spiritual life.
Experience as I’m thinking about it goes beyond just living through things. It requires first of all awareness. Many people live unaware of their environment, the people around them, their impact upon others. God can provide all manner of experience opportunities, but if you are not aware of what is happening, they will all pass you by. Be alert–like 007 James Bond who is always observing and evaluating.
I once saw a quote, “Some things must be believed to be seen.” Expectation is a key ingredient. Mary, mother of Jesus, probably prayed the Jewish woman’s prayer about becoming the mother of the Messiah. There was surely a bit of expectation in her life. But also, it had never happened before. So, we can expect God to act in our lives, but we may still be shocked at what He provides for us.
So, the question remains, what can we do to gain experience with God? Here are some tips.
Meditation on the Word. Read the Bible. Then stop and meditate on the passage. Go there in your imagination. Be part of the crowd around Jesus. Be part of a congregation where Paul is preaching. March with Joshua. Meditate with expectation that God will lead you to deeper knowledge.
Worship. Gathering with others in worship is a great way to open yourself to the reality of God.
Celebration. Once again, being with others while singing songs and praising will help you focus on God and lift your spirits making you open to God’s Spirit moving within you.
Confession. Pausing once–or many–times daily to tell God that you have fallen short of the type of life He desires. God will calm you.
Service. Sometimes there are no better ways to experience God in your life than to “be God” in the lives of others. Doing things for other people for God’s sake, not yours, will bring you closer to God.
I’m sure there are more. Open yourself to the possibility that God wants you to live in the fullness of a relationship just like Adam and Eve walked with him before they rebelled.
Faith Venture 
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