God is “Omnipresent.” This means God is present everywhere and at all times. No matter how mortal man may think or try, he cannot escape the presence of Almighty God. It is absolutely impossible. The ‘all-seen eye’ of God and His inescapable presence ever abides with His people. God’s presence is undeniably inescapable.
King David wrote the following psalm in which he asks God: “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me” (Psalm 139:7-10). This is the theme of this wonderful psalm. David—the man after God’s own heart, is acknowledging God’s omnipresence.
At the very outset of Psalm 139, David admits that God has searched and known him. He says, “O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar” (Psalm 139:1,2). Let us be aware that God is not only our Creator, He is “Omniscient,” meaning God is all-knowing. He knows past, present, and future. And then, God is also “Omnipotent,” meaning He is all-powerful—infinite power. Absolutely no limitations.
History tells us that man has made futile attempts to escape God in one way or another. Take for example atheists who don’t believe that God exists. They hate God because they know they cannot escape Him. God’s awesome presence and power is displayed throughout the universe, which He created. Atheists may attempt to run, but they can’t hide from God who is here, there, and everywhere. There is absolutely no place to hide from God. The Bible says, “No creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him we must give an account” Hebrews 4:13). Everything is “naked and exposed” to God.
Can any Christian imagine life without God’s omnipresence? God’s presence in my life gives me real and wonderful joy. In the first place, God’s goodness and mercy originates from His presence among His people. David said “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23:6).
David acknowledges the fullness of joy to be experienced in God’s presence. He says to God “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). This psalm is telling us that “fullness of joy” cannot be found outside of God’s presence.
God told the prophet Jeremiah “Am I a God at hand, declares the LORD, and not a God far away? “Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the LORD” (Jeremiah 23:23,24). God declares to the prophet that He fills heaven and earth. Therefore, we can definitely conclude that there is no place where anyone can be that God is not present. Because of His omnipresence, God is actually in every place and at all times. The Scripture also tells us “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3).
We are assured that when trials oppress us and difficulties arise in our lives, God graciously assures us His presence will be with us to help. No matter how complex the situation may be, we are assured God’s help is on the way. He says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you” (Isaiah 43:2). With such a promise, we can truthfully say “God is trustworthy.” God has also promised “I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we can confidently say “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5,6). God is our helper, keeper, and guide throughout our lives. We can count on Him and His presence. He will never disappoint.
Moses realized his dependence on God’s presence while he was leading the children of Israel. So he prayed and asked God accordingly. And God in His faithfulness assured Moses: “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14). In his response, Moses said to God, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here” (Exodus 33:15). Christians are the most blessed people in the world because of God’s divine presence and the associated blessings and benefits.
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:1,2). Amen.