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God is There

“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.”¹

I am certain that there have been times in our lives when we feel unworthy of God and his goodness. We all make mistakes and take “detours” from God’s path for us. Regardless of how many times we stray, however, we cannot hide from God. His purpose for us is still there and He will find ways to lovingly bring us back to Himself.

The story of Jacob is one that many of us know well. He and Esau were twin brothers, but Jacob was the younger twin. Therefore, Esau, being the firstborn, was in line to receive a special blessing from his father, Isaac. Jacob tricked his father into giving him the blessing instead, which, understandably, causes much anger in Esau. Their mother, Rebekah, hears of Esau’s desire to kill Jacob, so she speaks to Isaac, and they send him off to find a wife within her family.

Now, you may expect to find God when you are serving him with all your heart, but this was not the case with Jacob. He was actually on the run! Jacob was a trickster who had deceived his father into giving him Esau’s birthright. Perhaps he is the last person we would consider “worthy” to fulfill God’s promise to his parents and grandparents. However, It was on this journey that God met Jacob. God had chosen Jacob to birth a nation of God’s people, and regardless of his mistakes, God was still going to fulfill his plan for Jacob’s life. Jacob just needed to be reminded. In Genesis 28:16 Jacob says, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” He, like some of us, actually thought he could hide from God! But as today’s key verses remind us, God is everywhere, and friends, he wants to use us despite our mistakes.

If you are trying to run from God’s will, I urge you to stop. God’s will for your life is much greater and rewarding than anything you can accomplish on your own. Surrender to Him and know that if he has chosen you, He will be with you ALWAYS!

Suggested prayer: Dear God, forgive me for the times I have strayed from your will. There is nowhere I can go to hide from your presence. Please use my life for your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1.       Psalm 139:7-10 (NIV).

 

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.