I believe most, if not all of us, would admit that it is easy to go throughout our day without recognizing God’s presence. This neglect can be heightened when times and situations are difficult. One of God’s attributes is that He is omnipresent (God is present in all places at all times). No matter where we find ourselves, we can confidently proclaim, “God is here.” However, the full impact of this blessing can only be experienced if we actually affirm our encountering of God throughout the day, everywhere, and in every situation.
We discover in the Old Testament book of Genesis an account of a man by the name of Jacob fleeing from his enraged brother Esau. Esau had a right to be upset. Jacob had stolen his birthright effecting his inheritance and future standing in the family. Jacob discovered himself in a strange land, feeling very much alone. He’s exhausted, so he went to sleep using a stone as a pillow. In Genesis 28, we learn that while he slept, he had a dream about heaven and angels. God speaks to Jacob in this dream, making him a promise. The Lord declares:
“I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you” (Gen 28:13-15).
When Jacob awoke, he exclaimed, “Truly, God is in this place and I didn’t know it.” Jacob’s discovery was not just for him but for all of us. We too can be confident that God is always with us. Christ announced: “I am with you always” (Matt 28:20). He spoke these comforting words to his disciples that are just as true for His followers today.
I have found it helpful throughout the day to pause and remind myself, “God is here.” Whenever I feel distant from God, I do the same. I especially have developed a practice of doing this when I face a difficult or uncertain situation.
Saint Patrick stated it this way:
“Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.”
That about says it all. I am surrounded by Christ and indwelt by God’s Spirit, and God is everywhere. This must have been on the heart and mind of the psalmist when he wrote: “You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues” (Psalm 31:20). Where you find yourself, take a moment, and declare, “God is here.”
I am so thankful to serve our ever-present God with each of you. Let’s encourage one another, often with the truth that the King of the universe is with each of us. He is here. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!