Unlimited: God’s Presence is With You
Aug 26, 2021 1697
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 139:7-9).
The Bible speaks of this reality throughout its pages: ‘He is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being.’ (Acts 17:27- 28). ‘And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age’ (Matthew 28:20). Moses ‘persevered because he saw him who is invisible’ (Hebrews 11:27). Jeremiah testifies concerning God: ‘You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear”‘ (Lamentations 3:57).
Neither was this truth news to the Psalmist. Consider the 139th Psalm, quoted above. Israel for three thousand years has sung the shepherd King’s rhetorical question, “Where can I flee from your presence?” So confident is the Psalmist of God’s omnipresence and omniscience that he declares God’s thoughts about him to be more in number than the sand grains of the earth’s mighty oceans (see v.17-18). Then he adds: “When I awake, I am still with you” (v.18).
Be assured of God’s presence.
To practice the presence of God continually is to bring rest of soul, peace of mind, and happiness of spirit. It grants freedom from undue anxiety, and wisdom for the way. Satan strives to make us doubt the Divine presence (see Psalm 42:10, 6, 7, 9). But in answer, God exhausts the synonyms of language to assure us of his abiding nearness. – Des Ford (adapted)
Reflection: What is the one place in the world where, when you go there, you most feel the presence of God? Make a time to spend some top quality time with God in that place. Keep that appointment.
Our fellowship church, not now functioning, had Dr. Ford come speak to our congregation several times. He was such a wonderful, kind & brilliant God fearing man & I believe you are probably like him Eli
I was a very big fan of Dr. Desmond Ford. In fact we had him come preach at our Gospel Fellowship Church several times!! A wonderful God Filled God Fearing man! I believe you are probably like him Eli!
Eliezer Gonzalez
Aug 27, 2021
That's very kind of you, Janice. If I could aspire to only a fraction of Des' intellect, courage, and spiritual gifts, I would be truly blessed. Most of all I admired his gentle and forgiving heart.