You Are There

Date: December 7, 2023

I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional. 

B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share

You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?

B - Bible Verse in NIV: Psalm 139:7-10 (NIV): "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."

L - Listen for God's Voice and Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you with gratitude for the comforting words of Psalm 139. Help us to truly listen to Your voice as we meditate on these verses. Open our hearts to hear what You have to say to us today, and may Your presence fill our lives with peace and assurance. In Jesus' name, we pray, amen.

E - Explore the History and Meaning: These verses are part of Psalm 139, which is often attributed to King David. In this psalm, David marvels at the intimate knowledge and presence of God in his life. It's a heartfelt reflection on the depth of God's understanding and His constant companionship. Consider the context of David's time. Life in ancient Israel was marked by a strong belief in God's presence and providence. The people relied on God for guidance, protection, and comfort. David, as a shepherd and later as a king, understood the need for God's presence in all aspects of life.

S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:

"Where can I go from your Spirit?" - David acknowledges that there's nowhere he can escape from God's Spirit. This speaks to God's omnipresence, meaning He is everywhere, always.

"If I go up to the heavens... if I make my bed in the depths..." - These phrases emphasize the extremities of human existence, from the highest heights to the deepest depths.

"Your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." - David acknowledges that even in the most challenging and distant circumstances, God's guiding and protecting hand is with him.

S - Summarize and Share:  What a perfect reminder that we are never alone, no matter where life's journey takes us. How often have I found comfort in these words during times of uncertainty, as I'm sure you have as well.

Have you ever gazed at the night sky, marveling at the countless stars that seem so distant and unattainable? It's in those moments of wonder that I'm reminded of God's omnipresence, His ever-watchful eye on each one of us. Just like David, the psalmist, I've asked myself, "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" And the answer is nowhere.

Imagine, for a moment, David as a young shepherd tending to his flock under the vast expanse of the heavens. He likely stared up into the same skies we do today. The heavens above, the depths below, the farthest horizons - these are all places where God's presence lives. In the quiet moments of the early morning or the stillness of the night, I've felt His hand guiding me, just as David described.

The beauty of these verses lies in their simplicity and their profound truth. We don’t need to be afraid r that we are forgotten or abandoned in our times of need. God's love is unwavering, and His presence is our constant companion. We can find joy and peace in knowing that, no matter where we are or what we face, He is there to guide and hold us fast.

So, let's hold onto these verses as a precious reminder of God's abiding love and presence in our lives. In the ordinary moments of each day, may we find Emmanuel, God with us, bringing us comfort, peace, and boundless joy.

4 Bible Cross References:

Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Matthew 28:20: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Romans 8:38-39: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Hebrews 13:5: "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"