MIF 21:2 (Mar-Apr 1989)
The Presence of God
‘There is…one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:6).
The omnipresence of God is one of His attributes we find difficult to grasp, although its reality is declared in many Scriptural passages. It simply means that God is present everywhere at all times and is not limited by time or space in the universe He created, controls, and occupies (Jeremiah 23:24).
This truth is eloquently stated in Psalm 139:7-12 where David says there is no way he can hide from God. Even the darkness of night cannot conceal Him. God promised Moses in Exodus 33:14: “My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.” There are many more instances of His abiding presence. As God the Father He occupies heaven’s throne (Isaiah 66:1). As God the Son, He is present wherever two or three are gathered in His name (Matthew 18:20). As God the Holy Spirit, He dwells in the life of every believer (John14:16). He sustains us in times of trial, gives comfort in sorrow and distress, and provides refuge in times of danger.
God bids us to come into His presence with singing and thanksgiving (Psalm 100:2; 95:2). Since His presence surrounds us, He gives strength to resist temptation and an invitation to walk in fellowship with Him midst all circumstances (Matthew 11:28).
‘Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11).