How to Live with God in the Present Moment?

Living with God in the present moment is not merely an abstract concept but a profound and practical path to finding peace, meaning, and guidance in all aspects of life. It does not imply that God is physically present in a specific place or time; rather, His presence is all-encompassing and eternal, and it is we who must cultivate our awareness and consciousness to perceive this presence and align with it. The Holy Quran, through various eloquent expressions, offers invaluable guidance for realizing this way of life. This requires a shift in perspective and attitude; from a superficial life immersed in materialism to an inner, spiritual life where every moment is accompanied by the remembrance and presence of God. To achieve this, several Quranic principles can serve as a guiding light, helping us to feel God's presence and live with Him not only during formal worship but in all daily moments. The first and perhaps most crucial principle is "Dhikr" or the remembrance of God. Dhikr is not just about repeating specific words; it is a state of constant, heartfelt awareness of God's presence. The Quran states: "Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." (Surah Ar-Ra'd, Verse 28). This verse reveals that true and profound peace is not found in material possessions or worldly successes, but in a stable connection with the source of all existence, God. When a person remembers God in every moment, in every decision, and in every action, they are freed from unnecessary anxieties and will possess a tranquil and assured heart. This continuous remembrance saves us from heedlessness and confusion, guiding us toward the right path. For instance, in times of joy, recalling that this blessing is from God increases gratitude, and in times of difficulty, remembering God's power and wisdom strengthens patience and reliance. This perpetual Dhikr should flow not only during prayer and supplication but also at work, in interactions with others, and even in solitude, such that God's presence is felt in every breath we take. The second principle is the importance of "Sabr" (patience) and "Salat" (prayer). Allah says in the Quran: "O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient." (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 153). Prayer is the pillar of religion and the ascension of the believer. Five times a day, prayer offers us an opportunity to distance ourselves from the clamor of the world and speak directly with our Lord. This regular connection nourishes our soul and keeps us steadfast on the path of life. Prayer serves as a spiritual anchor in life's storms; moments when we can entrust all our burdens and worries to Him and gain the necessary energy to continue our journey. Patience is not merely enduring difficulties but actively resisting sin and persevering in obedience to God. When we seek refuge in God through patience and prayer, we acknowledge that true power belongs to Him, and His help will always encompass us, and this sense of assurance grounds us in the present moment. The third principle is "Taqwa" or God-consciousness and piety. Taqwa means having a perpetual sense of God's presence and being mindful of one's actions and intentions. The Quran states: "O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul..." (Surah An-Nisa, Verse 1). Taqwa leads a person to consider not only worldly benefits but also God's pleasure in their daily decisions. This inner vigilance prevents us from committing sins and guides us towards good and praiseworthy deeds. A person with Taqwa always strives to be an "exceller" (Muhsin). Ihsan, or excellence, means performing actions in the best possible way and with sincere intention for the pleasure of God. This level of awareness and precision in performing duties and interactions benefits not only the individual but also drives society towards improvement and elevation. Living with God in the present moment means every action, whether small or large, is performed with divine intention and within the framework of His pleasure. The fourth principle is "Tawakkul" or reliance upon God. Tawakkul means complete trust in God's planning and management of all life affairs. This becomes especially important when facing challenges and uncertainties of the future. The Quran says: "And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him." (Surah At-Talaq, Verse 3). Tawakkul does not mean abandoning effort, but rather, after putting in effort, entrusting the outcome to God and not worrying. This sense of reliance lifts the heavy burden of future worries from a person's shoulders, allowing them to live calmly and confidently in the present moment and attend to their duties. A person who relies on God knows that their good and welfare are always in God's hands, and this knowledge gives them the strength to face any hardship. Fifth, "Shukr" or gratitude. Gratitude is not just a verbal expression of appreciation, but a deep understanding of blessings and their proper utilization in the path of divine pleasure. The Quran states: "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]." (Surah Ibrahim, Verse 7). Gratitude helps us focus on what we have, not what we lack, and this positive outlook makes God's presence more tangible in every moment of our lives. When we wake up each morning and are grateful for the blessings of health, family, work, and even the smallest things, living with God in the present becomes easier and sweeter for us. In summary, living with God in the present moment is a comprehensive approach that includes constant awareness (Dhikr), regular connection (Salat), inner vigilance (Taqwa), absolute reliance (Tawakkul), and profound gratitude (Shukr). These are not necessarily separate but form an interconnected whole. The more we implement these principles in our daily lives, the closer we not only draw to God but also significantly improve the quality of our lives. Living with God in the present means finding inner peace, having a noble purpose, and constantly experiencing the presence of divine love and mercy in every moment of life, regardless of what is happening around us. This way of life paves the path to true happiness and perfection for humanity.