202 The God Who Is Omnipresent
What does it mean that God is omnipresent - that God is everywhere?
Omnipresence means that God is not confined to the limits of any particular space. He is no less present in one portion of the universe than any other.
In other words, with equal truth and confidence, it can be said from anywhere in the universe, “The Lord is in this place.” Wherever you are, God is right there, right now. The God who is...is everywhere.
One of the best biblical texts on God’s omnipresence is Psalm 139. In the first 6 verses, David marvels that God knows everything. Then he goes on to speak of the fact that God is everywhere.
“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.” (vs. 7-10)
I love the way St. Augustine describes God’s omnipresence: “God is not partly here or partly there...but He is totally present at every point in the universe.”
The truth of God’s unlimited presence in the universe is interesting; the awareness of God’s unlimited presence in your life is transforming.
Realizing that you’re never alone – that God really is with you – changes how you look at even the most challenging circumstances.
As we seek to grasp God’s omnipresence, there are two other theological truths that we need to recognize.
1. God’s transcendence
Transcendence refers to God’s greatness; His utter distinctness from all of His creation.
That our transcendent God is everywhere in this vast universe is pretty easy to buy. It’s this second point we struggle with.
2. God’s immanence
This is His nearness, knowability, closeness, and intimacy. The great God who created the entire universe is interested in me.
Do you know God this way? Do you sense His nearness as you go through an average day in your life?
Here are a few ways you can begin to look to encounter Him.
Daily times with God.
Through quietness, journaling, Scripture reading, and listening, I carry on a conversation with God. I talk to Him about what’s going on in my life. I pour out my heart and ask Him for help. I write down what I think He’s saying and speak back to Him about it. These times have deepened my awareness of God’s presence in my everyday life.
Where do you meet with God? Where do you talk to Him and let Him talk to you.
Another way to experience the presence of God is through…
Community with believers.
In Matthew 18:20, Jesus said, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”
Whether in a small group during the week or a large gathering on Sunday, you have the chance to encounter God’s presence with the family of God.
Let me encourage you to move through your week practicing the presence of God. If He really is with you, then engage Him. Talk to Him. Be sensitive to ways that He might want to reveal Himself to you.
Text: Psalm 139:1-10
Originally recorded on October 10, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN