Psalm 139:1-12, CEB
Lord, you have examined me.
You know me.
You know when I sit down and when I stand up.
Even from far away, you comprehend my plans.
You study my traveling and resting.
You are thoroughly familiar with all my ways.
There isn’t a word on my tongue, Lord,
that you don’t already know completely.
You surround me—front and back.
You put your hand on me.
That kind of knowledge is too much for me;
it’s so high above me that I can’t reach it.
Where could I go to get away from your spirit?
Where could I go to escape your presence?
If I went up to heaven, you would be there.
If I went down to the grave, you would be there too!
If I could fly on the wings of dawn,
stopping to rest only on the far side of the ocean—
even there your hand would guide me;
even there your strong hand would hold me tight!
If I said, “The darkness will definitely hide me;
the light will become night around me,”
even then the darkness isn’t too dark for you!
Nighttime would shine bright as day,
because darkness is the same as light to you!
This week, we explore the power of presence – the impact it has on us, and others, and the kingdom of God. As always, God sets the example and leads the way in this regard. God’s presence is offered to us continuously throughout our lives. As the Pslamist seems to be implying at times above, even when we wish God would look the other way, God is nonetheless as close as our breath. When God seems absent, the problem is with our ability to discern God’s presence, not with God’s presence itself.
When we pray, God hears us completely.
When we are lost in our feelings (pleasant or unpleasant), God is there.
When we encounter difficulty, God’s strength is offered.
When we are confused, our Source of clarity is readily available.
When we need God, God is present.
Take some time today to remember God’s presence with you. Perhaps just spend some moments and sit quietly in the knowledge that God is present with you. You don’t have to say anything or even expect anything to happen. Just sit and know God is there with you. “Practicing” the presence of God in this way, when done regularly over a period of time, begins to have a cumulative effect on our soul and our sense of well-being. That effect can be transformative.
Prayer: You are here God. Even when I forget or I am distracted, You are here with me. I am thankful for Your presence. Amen.
Song: CeeCee Winans – Be Still and Know
Weekday Word w/ Eric 
Leave a comment