Priscilla Shirer: Strengthen Your Connection With God | Praise on TBN
Experience a Deeper Relationship With God: Practical Steps to Hear His Voice Every Day
In the midst of our fast-paced, noisy world, it’s easy for Christians to unintentionally miss out on the greatest privilege we’ve been given—an intimate, ongoing relationship with God. The Lord’s voice is ever-present, but sometimes, we become so accustomed to religious routine that we overlook His personal touch. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from God or wondered how to hear Him for yourself, this guide is for you. Let’s explore how to strengthen your daily connection with the Lord and experience the beauty of His presence in your ordinary, everyday moments.
The Fragrance of Being With God
Have you ever noticed how the environment you spend time in can linger with you long after you leave? Just like a factory worker might carry the scent of bread or cookies after a long day near the ovens, being in the presence of God leaves a spiritual residue in our lives. When we carve out time for prayer, study, and stillness with Jesus, others notice something different about us—we carry the unmistakable fragrance of the Lord wherever we go. This is not about fitting into religious expectations or routines; it’s about encountering the living God who longs to meet with us personally.
Are We Missing God’s Presence?
We are blessed to live in a time and place where the Word of God is readily available. Churches stand on nearly every street, worship music streams 24/7, and Christian resources flood our bookshelves and phones. Yet, there’s a risk: becoming so used to these blessings that we overlook their deeper reality. When God’s presence shows up in our lives—in our homes, our workplaces, our relationships—it can be easy to miss Him, especially if we’ve boxed Him into our own ideas of how He should act or appear.
An important truth emerges here: God often arrives in packages or circumstances we don’t expect. Like the train that rattled past a Memphis hotel room night after night—unnoticed by those who lived nearby but impossible to ignore for a visitor—God’s glory can show up in our lives in ways we might overlook, simply because we’ve become too accustomed to our routine. Never let comfort, familiarity, or disappointment desensitize you to His presence. Keep your heart sensitive and your eyes wide open.
Learning From Simeon: How to Recognize Jesus in Any Circumstance
Luke chapter 2 introduces us to Simeon, a man who waited eagerly for God’s promise. The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would see the Messiah before he died. When Mary and Joseph entered the temple carrying baby Jesus, it was Simeon—not the crowds, not the religious leaders—who recognized the Savior. He took Jesus into his arms, blessing God and proclaiming, “My eyes have seen your salvation.”
Here’s what stands out: Mary and Joseph didn’t have the means to bring an expensive lamb for sacrifice. Instead, they brought two pigeons—an offering for the poor. Though lacking in material wealth, they held in their hands the Lamb of God who would take away the world’s sin. This is a powerful reminder that intimacy with God isn’t dependent on outward success, affluence, or religious status. Some of the deepest relationships with Jesus are forged in seasons of lack, trial, or desperate dependence, where nothing and no one else suffices but Him.
Seeing Jesus in Unexpected Places
Many in the temple missed Jesus that day because He came in a form they didn’t expect. They were waiting for a political hero, a mighty deliverer, but Jesus arrived as a humble child. This still happens to us. We can overlook God’s work simply because we’re focused on what we want Him to do, rather than trusting His wisdom to move beyond our requests and expectations. If you’ve been asking God to answer a prayer in a certain way, be open to the “something better” He may have in mind. Remember, God is orchestrating not just your life, but the lives of those who come after you. His perspective is far bigger—and more loving—than ours.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Spiritual Senses
What gave Simeon eyes to see what everyone else missed? The difference was the work of the Holy Spirit. Scripture says the Spirit was upon him, revealed truth to him, and led him into the temple at just the right moment. For believers today, the Holy Spirit indwells us fully from the moment of salvation, empowering us to hear God, discern His will, and walk in holiness. But we must choose to live in such a way that His presence rests on us—by yielding to His guidance, seeking holiness over human approval, and staying sensitive to His convictions.
If you want your spiritual senses sharpened, prioritize obedience. The more you respond promptly to God’s guidance, the clearer His voice becomes. When you repeatedly ignore His gentle prompting, your spiritual hearing becomes dull. Keep your spiritual “airwaves” clear by staying responsive to His nudges and quick to align your life with His Word.
Worship In Spirit and Truth
Simeon wasn’t caught up in the externals of temple life—the wealth of others, the prestige of the seats, the formality of tradition. He was looking for Jesus. When you go to church, come with a heart led by the Spirit, not distracted by surface details. God can show up in the most unexpected packages, through the least likely people, even in the midst of your mess. Seek Jesus above all else, and you’ll encounter Him in ways that surprise and transform you.
Generational Wisdom and Encountering Christ
Sometimes, our modern Christian culture can become a bit “Instagrammed”—focused on aesthetics and personal style more than substance. The wisdom of seasoned believers and “spiritual parents” is invaluable in helping us see and know the true Jesus. Stay teachable. Blend the new with the rooted truths passed down from those who have walked with Jesus before you. The forms may
