“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.“
Psalm 139:7-10
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Today, we turn our focus to this section of Psalm 139:
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea…
When I get tired or when I wake up in the morning from a deep sleep, I’m pretty useless to everyone. I love my sleep and I love my bed. Even though my body is present during these times, my wife would probably tell you that I’m far from being present.
What’s funny is how comfortable we are saying we are present, when we really aren’t. It takes quite a bit for us to be fully present, because we really are very limited.
Have you ever traveled to the other side of the world? I have had stops in China, Africa, and Europe. There is something about taking a flight to a far-off place and traveling over the ocean. Sometimes you get a clear view down below and see the waters of the sea. Once you land, you get a clear idea that you’re now in a different time zone and the family and friends you left behind are experiencing something very different.
Why do I share these two experiences? Because presence happens with closeness, and distance impacts our human relationships. Yet in these phrases the Psalmist paints a picture we often need to be reminded of.
First, no matter the time of day, if we are waking up or falling asleep, God is there. He is the one ushering in the dawn, is so fully present that slumber doesn’t have an impact on Him. God doesn’t need sleep and so His presence is fresh with us at dawn, midday, and night.
Second, as time and distance impact us as humans, it has no impact on the presence of God. If I’m standing in Beijing and my wife is standing in downtown Wheaton, the presence of God surrounds both of us. How amazing is that!?
Friend, you will wake up at some point in a painful season, and God is there. You will watch the news and see pain across the ocean, and God is present. Whether pain or days of joy, David paints a picture of a God who doesn’t allow slumber or distance to impact His presence with you—today and every day.
Take hope, rest, and joy in this aspect of God’s character, because it will carry you through both rough and joyful days.
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- How have you experienced God’s presence in moments of struggle and pain?
- What practices help you to remain connected to God during challenging times?
- How does recognizing God’s presence in your struggles impact your faith and perspective?
Church Reading Plan: Isaiah 65; Matthew 13