Wednesday, February 20, 2019:  1 John 4:13

“By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.”

If someone asked you, “How do you know God exists?,” what would you say? You might point to the sun, moon, or stars in the sky. You might point to the miracle of human life. You might use apologetics to validate the Scriptures. Or you might simply explain that it is a matter of faith and you’ve experienced God in your own life. But if someone asked you, “How do you know God is present within you?,” how would you answer?

John emphasized in several places that those who obey God and love people would abide in the Lord (1 John 3:24, 1 John 4:12). Taken out of context, one might believe his or her own efforts toward love and obedience somehow compel God’s abiding presence. This is incorrect thinking, however. As with salvation, God takes the initiative toward humankind. We do not earn Christ’s abiding presence. It is the work of the Spirit, not the work of people, that leads to Jesus’ dwelling within a person.

We can know that we abide in God and He abides in us because of the internal witness of the Spirit. The Spirit confirms His presence in us. How do you know God is present within you? The Spirit equips and empowers you as you abide in Him and obey God. The Spirit compels you as you obey God to love people. The Spirit gives you the mindset of Christ, changing your desires and forming your prayers.

• In what ways has the Spirit confirmed God’s presence in you lately? How does it change your prayers to know that God’s presence is with you all the time?

• Pray: Thank God for the gift of His Spirit, who is helping you even now as you turn to Him in prayer. Invite Him to allow you to sense the powerful confirmation of His presence in you and to direct your requests, that they might reflect a Spirit-filled life.