August 29, 2018

A child feels secure when a parent is nearby. But if they do something that displeases their parent, they want to hide. This game started in the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve enjoyed the privilege of living in God’s presence. But when they listened to the counterfeit god, Satan, they turned against God and then tried to hide from Him.

David, the writer of Psalm 139, had the right perspective on God’s presence; he enjoyed the privilege so much that he even asked God to “search him and know his heart.” He realized the value of living in continual consciousness of God’s presence. He realized that he could not get away from God, but he did not want to. He wanted to feel God’s nearness.

David’s attitude made a positive difference in the way he lived. He welcomed the fact that God knew the words on his tongue before he spoke them. God knew where he was all the time and was there to guide his steps. Darkness or light made no difference, because God is ruler of all.

David gave God credit for his development from conception to maturity. He believed God knew exactly how many days he would live – even before he was born. He was confident that God thought about him – so many thoughts that they outnumbered the grains of sand. God was thinking about him while he slept and when he was awake.

No wonder David prayed: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.”

God’s presence is a gift to be enjoyed. The only time we feel a desire to be away from Him is when we choose to dishonor Him. Even then, He is thinking of us and anxious to welcome us back.

Pastor Bill Ehmann