The Lord Is with You

September 06, 2022

By Brooke Holt

“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,’ even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.” Psalm 139:7-12

Do you feel comfortable asking God questions? Are you honest with all your questions in times of blessing and challenge? Psalm 139 is filled with questions to God, and these questions lead to marveling as the psalmist realizes the Lord’s infinite nature.

The questions for today begin with “where can I go from your Spirit”? The writer acknowledges God is everywhere—heaven, Sheol, the morning, the sea, and even in the darkness, God is present. For good or bad, there simply is no escaping God’s presence. Where that understanding could bring discomfort for those who long to stay hidden from the Lord, the writer of this psalm delights in the fact God is always with him and not just with him but holding him. These words are reminiscent of Moses’ words to his successor Joshua: “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). God’s presence would drive out fear for Joshua, for the psalmist, what about you?

This presence of the Lord is a gift to sustain you throughout life. Yet, it is a forgotten gift by many. Fear of abandonment is a major issue in American society today. Lisa Fristcher explains, “Although it is not an official phobia, the fear of abandonment is arguably one of the most common and most damaging fears of all” (Very Well Mind article, June 15, 2020). While this fear is real in our society and often results from early childhood trauma, God’s ongoing presence exists. Even if everyone else would leave, God will still be there.

There is no hiding, escaping, and forsaking. God is steadfast and secure in all his ways, and his promises endure. May you delight today and rest today in God’s infinite presence with you.

Reflection:

How do you respond to this promise that God is always with you? Are you looking to this promise as comfort in the trials of life? If this has been a challenging season, ask the Lord how he has been holding you through these trials. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

Follow the ancient way of the Psalms and find the life God has for you. A model for vibrant worship, the Psalms provide practical wisdom to traverse the circuitous path of life with trust and hope. Pilgrim’s Path: A Study of the Psalms traces our spiritual walk with God—from discovery and delight, through doubt and disappointment, into joyful confidence. Whether used for individual or group study, Pilgrim’s Path is for everyone who seeks to know and love God more and find life in him.