Choosing Presence: Living with God at Your Side
One of the most powerful commandments found in the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch is the directive “שויתי יי לנגדי תמיד” (I Set God Before Me Always). This profound teaching emphasizes a fundamental principle that guides the righteous: to walk in the awareness of God's presence. The author reflects on the significance of this practice, stating that it is not merely about how we conduct ourselves in solitude, but how we behave in the presence of a great king. This perspective encourages us to be mindful of our actions and words, ensuring they align with a higher standard of righteousness.
What I find particularly inspiring about this commandment is its empowering nature. It serves as a reminder that every moment of our lives holds meaning and importance. We are not just living; we are living in the presence of something divine. This awareness transforms mundane moments into opportunities for growth and reflection. The knowledge that we can choose to recognize God's presence instills a sense of purpose in our everyday choices.
The remarkable aspect of this commandment is the emphasis on choice. It doesn’t simply state that God is always before us; it invites us to actively choose to place God at the forefront of our lives. This is not a passive acknowledgment; it is an active decision to live consciously and intentionally. Every day, we have the opportunity to decide how we engage with the world around us. Will we live solely for ourselves, or will we invite the divine into our daily existence?
This law serves as a gateway to a transformative way of living. By choosing to keep God in our awareness, we open ourselves to a deeper connection with our spirituality. It challenges us to consider how we respond to life’s challenges and how we treat those around us. When we recognize that our actions are not just for ourselves, but in the context of a greater purpose, we elevate our lives and the lives of those we interact with.
In practical terms, setting God before us can take many forms. It can mean starting each day with a moment of reflection, asking ourselves how we can embody kindness and compassion. It might involve being mindful of our thoughts and words, ensuring they align with our values. It can also manifest in our interactions, treating others with the respect and dignity that we would wish for ourselves.
This commandment is a call to mindfulness—a reminder that we have the power to shape our reality through our choices. It invites us to embrace our agency and to live with intention. The presence of God is not an external force; it is a source of strength and guidance that resides within us. By choosing to recognize this divine presence, we empower ourselves to lead lives filled with purpose, compassion, and love.
As you move through your day, consider the ways you can set God before you. How can you bring this awareness into your daily routine? What choices can you make that reflect a commitment to living with intention and purpose?
Ultimately, the first Jewish law presents us with a profound choice: Will you live for yourself, or will you choose to live with God in the room? The decision is yours, and it has the potential to transform your life in ways you may never have imagined.
