Daily Devotion (August 21, 2024)
Psalm 139:7–12 (NKJV)
7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?
8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,” Even the night shall be light about me;
12 Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.
Quit running from God!
Matthew Henry emphasizes that the certainty of God’s omnipresence should lead believers to live in a way that acknowledges His constant presence. This awareness should influence their actions and thoughts1.
“Where Could I Go but to the Lord” is a classic gospel song written by James B. Coats. It speaks to the idea of seeking refuge and comfort in the Lord, especially during challenging times.
Many people try to run from God. For Christians, knowing God’s presence is a blessing and a comfort in life. Adam and Eve tried to hide from God after sinning, and Jonah tried to run from God’s calling. Both suffered from hiding or running from God, but God knew where they were and had a plan and purpose for their lives. We can run from God, but we cannot hide from Him.
God has a plan and purpose for our lives. When we distance ourselves from Him, life does not improve; it often becomes more challenging. To experience His love and fulfill His purpose, we need His presence with us. King David understood this well. In Psalm 23:4, he writes, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me”.
So, let’s stop running from God and embrace His presence in our lives!