A devotional on God’s presence answers a question many of us ask in lonely seasons. Psalm 139:7-8 asks where anyone could go to get away from God, and answers that he is there in the heights of heaven and down in the grave itself. There is no place beyond God’s reach or care.
Key Verse
“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” (Psalm 139:7, ESV)
A Psalm of Being Known
Psalm 139 is one of the most personal psalms in Scripture. David marvels that God knows when he sits and rises, knows his thoughts from afar, and knows his words before he speaks them. Then he turns to God’s presence. Not only does God know everything about us, he is with us everywhere.
For some, this sounds frightening. For those who belong to God, it is deeply comforting.
From the Heights to the Depths
David uses extremes. Heaven is the highest place imaginable. Sheol is the realm of the dead, the lowest place imaginable. God is present in both. Whether you are on a mountaintop of joy or in the deepest valley of despair, God is there.
Later in the psalm, David adds the far side of the ocean and the darkness of night. Distance and darkness cannot hide us from God.
When God Feels Absent
Sometimes God feels far away. We pray and hear nothing. We feel alone in a hospital room, a new city, or an empty house. Psalm 139 reminds us that feelings are real but not final. God’s presence is a fact, not a feeling. He is with us even when we cannot sense him.
Jesus promised his followers that he would be with them always. His Spirit lives in every believer.
Practicing His Presence
You can grow in awareness of God’s presence through simple habits: pausing during the day to say, Lord, you are here; praying while you walk or drive; and reading Scripture slowly. Over time, you may notice his nearness more often.
You may not feel God’s presence today. Feelings come and go. But his nearness does not depend on what you sense. He is as close in the dull, ordinary hours as in the moments that feel holy.
Today, Try This
Set three reminders on your phone today. Each time one goes off, stop and pray, Lord, thank you that you are here with me.
Reflection Question
Where do you most need to remember that God is with you right now?
Prayer
Lord, there is nowhere I can go from your Spirit. Thank you that you are with me in the heights and in the depths. When I feel alone, remind me that you are near. Help me notice your presence today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Psalm 139:7-8 mean?
Psalm 139:7-8 (ESV) teaches that God is present everywhere. No matter where a person goes, from the heights of heaven to the depths of the grave, God is already there. For believers, this is a source of comfort.
Is God really everywhere?
Yes. Theologians call this God’s omnipresence. Scripture teaches that God fills heaven and earth and that no place is hidden from him. He is also present in a special, personal way with his people through the Holy Spirit.
Why does God feel far away sometimes?
Grief, depression, exhaustion, sin, and seasons of spiritual dryness can make God feel distant. Scripture shows that his presence does not depend on our feelings. Keep seeking him, and talk to a trusted believer or counselor if the heaviness persists.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: Bible verses about peace
- Read more daily devotionals
- The narrow way: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Related: Devotional for Depression (devotional)
- Related: Devotional on Spiritual Dryness: My Soul Thirsts (Ps 63)
- Related: Devotional on Being Known by God
- Bible Verses About Trusting God