The last time I posted it was 1:00am, this time it’s 4:30am, one week later. A lot of changes have taken place in my life in that week. I lost the love of my life, my friend, my joy, to cancer. She put up a brave and brilliant fight, but God said “it’s time for you to come home.”
I am lying here amazed at my God. Each morning, it seems as if He takes special care to let me know He’s there. I go to sleep in His presence, awake through the night in His presence and go through my day in His presence. I’ve again been reminded of Psalm 139.
Psalm 139:7-10
“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: If I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, And thy right hand shall hold me.”
It’s not that the Psalmist is trying to flee from God, or that he would actually make his bed in hell. The point he was making is that God is wherever we are, He never leaves us. He is there in every situation in which we find ourselves. I think I may be realizing that more right now than ever before in my life. Do we face hardships and difficulties in our lives? Sure we do. Do we face uncertainties, wondering what’s next? Yes to that too. Do we at times face sorrow that wants to crush us under its weight? Yes, we do. But, with all that, do we have a calm assurance of the kindness and grace of a loving God? Most certainly we do.
This life journey on which we’ve embarked is not always an easy one. Even this life with Christ isn’t always smooth sailing, but it’s always safe because He’s in the boat with us. It’s not just that He’s always there, but that He is always there with intention.
If you should ever feel alone or abandoned, I would encourage you to take a moment, take a deep breath and take a look around. You will find Him there every time.
I think I’m going to try to turn over and get a few more minutes sleep, knowing that when I wake up, He will be there.