Embracing Divine Presence

The Depth of Christian Mindfulness

The quest for true mindfulness is a beacon of spiritual need in our contemporary world, brimming with fleeting distractions and surface-level engagements. For the average Evangelical, the word ‘mindfulness’ raises all sorts of red flags and red alerts. While often linked to Eastern spiritual traditions, mindfulness is also found within the Christian faith. Mindfulness is not the emptying of one’s mind but instead is to fill our mind with the awareness of our existence as God’s beloved in the ‘present moment’. It transcends the ordinary understanding of self-awareness, evolving into a profound journey into the heart of God's presence and divine purpose. The Desert Fathers and Mothers focused on ‘guarding our hearts’ as the primary way to holiness. Evagrius Ponticus, a fourth-century theologian, noted: “Take care of yourself, be the gatekeeper to your heart and don’t let any thought enter without questioning it.” Christian mindfulness is one of the practices to ‘guard our hearts’.

Central to Christian mindfulness is a radical, unwavering trust in God's providence, as expressed in Matthew 6:34: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Christ's teaching is an antidote to daily worries and an invitation to a life of profound faith. This passage urges believers to release their grasp on the uncertainties of the future, encouraging them to find the sacred in the present moment, recognising it as a space where God's providence and grace are actively at work. It invites us to view each day not as a series of random events but as a divine orchestration of experiences meant to draw us closer to God. Our daily lives are a series of ‘present moments’ weaved into a beautiful tapestry of the universe.

Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth," calls for an intensely active spiritual stillness. It is a conscious act of centring one's entire being in the reality of God’s unshakeable kingdom amidst life's relentless changes and challenges. This stillness is more than mere silence; it is a deep communion with God where we encounter His majesty, are reminded of His sovereignty, and find our true place in His grand narrative. In these ‘present moments’ of divine encounter, our perspective is transformed, and we begin to see our lives not as solitary journeys but as integral parts of God’s unfolding story.

Paul, in Philippians 4:6-7, unveils a deeper layer of Christian mindfulness: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Here, Paul presents a profound spiritual practice: transforming our anxieties and worries into a dialogue with God, enveloped in a spirit of gratitude. This practice of surrendering our innermost concerns to God goes beyond mental discipline; it is a spiritual exercise that aligns us with the peace of Christ, a peace that envelops, transcends, and safeguards our innermost thoughts and emotions. By using prayer in our mindfulness, we know our present moments are moments of gratitude and peace.

The essence of Christian mindfulness lies in Psalm 119:15: “I meditate on your precepts and consider your way.” It is an intentional, contemplative immersion in God’s Word, a process of filling the mind with divine truth, allowing Scripture to shape our thoughts, actions, and being. This reflective engagement is not a passive act but a dynamic journey into the depth of God’s heart, revealing His character, will, and purpose for our lives. Through this meditative practice, we are informed and transformed, becoming more attuned to God's voice and aligned with His will.

Christian mindfulness, therefore, is an active, vibrant engagement with the divine. It represents a conscious choice to live each moment illuminated by God’s presence, guided by the Holy Spirit, and in harmony with the teachings of Scripture. This mindfulness cultivates a life marked by deep gratitude, profound peace, and purpose, firmly anchored in the assurance of God’s unfailing love and care.

Furthermore, Christian mindfulness has a significant relational dimension. It involves being fully present in our interactions with others, reflecting Christ’s love and compassion, listening attentively, and responding with empathy and grace. This relational aspect of mindfulness manifests the love of Christ in our daily interactions, serving as a powerful testament to our faith. While mindfulness involves self-awareness, there is a risk of it becoming self-centric, focusing more on one's own inner peace and well-being rather than on God and others. This self-focus can lead to a form of spiritual narcissism, where the pursuit of personal tranquillity takes precedence over other biblical mandates like serving others, communal worship, and evangelism. Hence, there is a need for Christian mindfulness to be part of a Christian faith community.

Engaging in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, contemplative reading of Scripture, worship, and silent reflection is essential to cultivate this deeper spirituality. These practices are not mere religious routines; they are pathways to experiencing the living presence of God in our lives. They attune our hearts and minds to the subtle whispers of the Holy Spirit, leading to a deeper understanding of God’s will and a more profound experience of His presence in our daily lives.

A man may go into the field and say his prayer and be aware of God, or, he may be in Church and be aware of God; but, if he is more aware of Him because he is in a quiet place, that is his own deficiency and not due to God, Who is alike present in all things and places, and is willing to give Himself everywhere so far as lies in Him. He knows God rightly who knows Him everywhere.

Meister Eckhart

In conclusion, Christian mindfulness is a journey into the depths of spiritual awareness rooted in a deep and abiding relationship with God. It is a call to live each moment in the fullness of God’s presence, guided by the Holy Spirit, enriched by the truths of Scripture, and manifested in our relationships with others. As we embrace this spiritual journey, our lives are transformed by faith, hope, and love—the essence of our identity in Christ. Let us, therefore, seek to live each day with hearts attuned to God’s presence, trusting in His providence, and rejoicing in His eternal love. This is the true depth of Christian mindfulness, a journey into the heart of divine presence, where every moment is an opportunity to experience God’s grace and to participate in His divine plan.