The Fear And Comfort Of An All-Knowing, Ever-Present God
The Fear And Comfort Of An All-Knowing, Ever-Present 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. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.” – Psalm 139:7-12
God knows everything about you. He is also everywhere all the time. Think about that for a minute.
How does that make you feel?
Comforted and Safe – On the one hand, that may make you feel comforted and very safe. When I say, “Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you,” it’s saying the same thing, but it puts it in the context of one who loves, supports, comforts, and defends you.
Scared – On the other hand, you may feel frightened and ashamed. When people say, “God is always watching,” it also is conveying the same concept that God knows everything about you and is everywhere all the time. However, it feels more like the police on a stakeout.
What if I told you both were right?
We see both of these concepts coming out in Psalm 139 (maybe take a moment to read all 24 verses). The Psalmist writes about how he can’t get away from God even if he tried. He says God knows every word before they are even said. At the same time, He talks about God knitting him together, being fearfully and wonderfully made, protecting him, and defeating his enemies.
Love Makes All The Difference
So, are we to feel safe or scared? If we don’t know God, His love, or His saving grace, fear is the right response. God knows every bad thing we’ve ever done. This fear, though, should drive us to repentance where we receive the grace and mercy of God and experience His great love.
If we know God, His love, and His grace then we should feel infinitely comforted and safe. Not only do I know He will comfort and protect me, but I know that He does so while also knowing my sin. I know that He forgives my sin and nothing I’ve done would surprise Him and cause Him to leave or stop loving me.
Jesus died for you, already knowing all the bad things you would do. Yet, he still died for you.
It’s because of God’s love that the Psalmist can finish Psalm 139 saying,
“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” – Psalm 139:23-24
He’s not saying, “Go ahead and search me, I’m confident You won’t find anything bad.” He’s saying, “Search me. I know you’re going to find all kinds of bad stuff, but I also know You love me and will lead me to eternal life.”
How?
By leading him to repentance and faith.
The Psalmist knows God is good and loves him. So, he can be completely exposed, trusting that God will do what is needed to save him.
You can do the same.
Heavenly Father,
I know I’m not perfect, but I also know that You love me and love to show grace and mercy. Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
Amen.
