Nowhere We Can Go From His Presence
- Shawna Jones
- Jan 10, 2023
- 2 min read
( 1-10-23 )
"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."
Recently, my family took a trip to New York. Although I was looking forward to the trip, one important issue kept coming into my mind as I packed: How was I going to set time aside each day to spend with God? With my family, it is usual for hotel mornings to be busy as we get ready to head out for the day. It's also difficult to find time to read at night due to our varying sleep schedules. I don't have the normal free time or privacy to spend time alone with God when traveling as I do at home. So, how will I ensure that I keep God at the center of my days even while on vacation?
For me, the answer was found when I reflected on Psalm 139:7-10. These verses express how there is nowhere that we can go to escape God's presence. No matter where we are, God will be there and nothing can change that. I'm not required to spend a certain amount of time in God's Word before I can have access to His presence. No matter what I do in my quiet times or for how long I do it, God will be with me because His presence isn't dependent on whether I spend a certain amount of time in His Word or in prayer each day.
I'm not saying that spending time with God should be neglected. Our relationship with God should be a continual process of getting to know Him through studying His Word and a constant process of seeking His face in surrender. However, I do desire to convey that it is impossible to earn God's presence. No matter what we do or don't do, God will always be present because He's been omnipresent since the beginning ( Jeremiah 23:24 ).
Omnipresent: "present in all places at all times"
We should always do our best to have fruitful and extended quiet time with God each day, but when your free time is limited and you can't do the things that you normally do, remember that God remains ever-present.
Q: What comfort do you get from knowing God is with you wherever you go? And, how does knowing of His omnipresence free you from worrying about not spending enough time with Him each day?
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