Is God’s Presence Comforting – Or Not?

Jeremiah 23:24 “Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him? Do not I fill heaven and earth?”

The constant and all-encompassing presence of the Lord is so comforting – or is it?

This would seem an odd question for those who love and obey the Lord. To them, His presence brings eternal blessing and joy. These obedient followers desire to live in the light of His presence continually experiencing His salvation, His strength, His protection, and His goodness. They cannot even imagine a better place to be than under God’s watchful care and they would despair at the thought of separation from the One they love and need so desperately.

But there is another group of people. For this circle of individuals, God’s constant presence is very uncomfortable. They may even be Christians, ones who belong to God, but who desire to keep parts of their lives from His control. They do not like the idea that there is no secret place where they can go to hide from God’s all-seeing eyes. Deep down they know that their words and actions are not pleasing to their Creator. But rather than revise their ways, they seek to do their deeds in a secluded place where they think that no one will notice.

Though they may be able to pull the wool over the eyes of even those closest to them, there is no private place that is hidden from the Lord. His presence fills the heavens and the earth. “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).”  He is Francis Thompson’s The Hound of Heaven, Who will never stop seeking them.

This same crowd usually does not like to read God’s Word. Oh, they may show up at church on a somewhat regular basis, but their comfort level is minimal as the conviction of the Holy Spirit penetrates their hardened hearts. Many may blame their lack of church attendance on other church-goers, calling them judgmental or hypocritical. While this could be true of some in the church, those who are uncomfortable there find that the mirror of the Bible reveals their stubborn hearts and they are forced to confront their disobedience.

Oh, that they would recognize the error of their ways – that they would understand the loving heart of the heavenly Father Who longs to watch over them for their good. He desires not to tear them down, but to build them up. His desire is to give them a tender heart to know Him and to be the loving Master of their lives.

Is the constant and all-encompassing presence of God a comfort to you – or isn’t it? Remember, there is no place to hide from Him for He fills the heavens and the earth. So why not turn your heart over to Him and live forever free in the joy of His presence? There is no more joyful place to be!

Love,

Mama