Sunday, October 27
Day 14
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. – Psalm 139:7-10
God is Present
Four years ago, I sat in an ultrasound room and heard the dreaded words, “I’m sorry, I don’t see a heartbeat.” My chest tightened. In the pain of loss, this promise from Psalm 139 held me. There could be no sentiment that “fixed” the grief of miscarrying our first child. Yet, what this scripture unearthed in me was a comfort in knowing that grief could not separate me from God. That in fact, He was very present with me in it.
What if the profound beauty of God’s presence is this: His presence means nothing has to change for everything to change.
The Psalmist writes of the furthest places one could be, beautifully demonstrating the truth that wherever we are—physically or emotionally—a relationship with Jesus means His presence is with us. The reality of our earthly situation may not change, and God is near. No need to clean up before going to Him. What if the truth that God is with us in our deepest pain invites us into a more robust vulnerability with Him? With others? He will not leave us in our vulnerability, He actually wants to be near us with his comforting presence. In that presence we are safe to admit our human frailty and lean into the hope that heaven is coming. This changes everything.
Attuning ourselves to the reality of God’s presence often begins by pausing to take notice that God is actually present. Could we take a moment now to pause? Take a deep breath in; while inhaling, kindly remind yourself “God is…” Then breathe out slowly, finishing the sentence “with me.” Invite your body to engage through your breath, this theological truth. In the pain, mundane, and joy you are not alone. God is abundantly near to you.
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You that you made a way for us to be with You. Because of Your life, death, and resurrection we get to live with the comfort of Your presence. In our very normal days may we attune ourselves to the reality that You are present with us. In our deepest pain may we lean into the comfort of Your nearness. May our vulnerability push us deeper into an awareness of Your presence and the hope of heaven. Thank You for Your kindness to us. Amen.
Pray For Our Church: Take some time to pray for Pathway today—the people who make up our church, the staff, the ministries, etc. Ask God to work in and through us.
Pray For Our City: Pray for the people of our community and ask God to be at work in our hometown.
Pray For Our Nation: Pray for our nation—its people and its leaders. Boldly and specifically make your requests, then submit those desires to God’s will. Express your trust in Him.
Reflect:
- How have you seen God’s faithfulness and his promises lived out today?
- Write 2-3 points of gratitude and thank Jesus for these things.
- Spend time praising God for who he is, what he has done, where he is at work, and what he has promised.
By Ashlen Glenn
Ashlen is married to Andrew and loves getting to be a part of PCC. Her favorite thing is riding bikes with her family and digging in the dirt with her two little boys. Ashlen is a mental health counselor and is always up for a good cup of black coffee.