Being Present

Genesis 22:1 (NIV)
¹ Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied.

On the surface we might say that being present is a fairly simple concept and easily determined, but there is more to it than responding to a call of our name. In this verse, Abraham answers God in a way that is deeper than saying “Present”. He says “Here I am”. Abraham is fully before God, he brings everything he is to God and the moment. Nothing is held in reserve, or kept back out of fear.

“Here I am”.

It is easy to become comfortable in the routine, to be automatic and non-thinking in our living. We grow accustomed to the noise of the many voices in life. We are inclined to take things for granted. Truly living, the essence of really being who we are can be overwhelmed by the business of existence. Our being present to God and the moment is often compromised.

God calls to you and me. He is speaking to us from within and everything around us. We are given life as a present. We can only enjoy this and receive it if we are truly present. God is in this present moment. Like Abraham, our answer should always be:

“Here I am!”