God is ever present, or omnipresent if you’re trying to impress. As Westerners we can discuss this intricacies of this doctrine in a detached way, engaging only our mind, especially when life is smooth. But what does His presence actually mean when circumstances turn us upside down? How does our heart understand it?
Presence is powerful. When people suffer or grieve words matter little. But a difficult situation is bearable when a strong friend is beside you; especially one you are assured loves you.
Job’s life went completely sideways. He had more loss than most of us can imagine. And He questioned God. Repeatedly. But in the end Job did not receive an answer, but the Answerer. God was there. He reminded Job who He is and that was enough to silence the questions.
David questions God in many of the Psalms yet ends them with praise. His circumstance hasn’t changed yet he is satisfied with God’s goodness. David is reminded of God’s presence.
We know that God is love (1 John 4 is a great reminder to keep in our heart). So when God is present, His steadfast love is as well. No matter what we go through, God is with us. There is no greater comfort than the presence of a loving God.
From the depths of a concentration camp, Corrie ten Boom said it this way, “No matter how deep my darkness, He is deeper still.” Her darkness was deep with death all around. Yet she knew God was there. There is nothing out of His reach.
Whether I’ve been flung into darkness, or have run there of my accord, I will find Him there. There is nowhere He is not, nowhere His love can’t find me. My head can discuss His omnipresence, but my heart is satisfied with His presence that is always there.
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
