In Psalm 139:7 the psalmist asks the question, “O Lord, where can I go from your Spirit?  Where can I flee from your presence?  In verse eight the psalmist answers his own question, “If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”  The psalmist paints a poetic image, that there is nowhere we can go where we can flee from God’s presence.  “if we rise on the wings of the dawn or if we settle on the far side of the sea” it does not matter.  Even in those places God’s “hand will guide us, God’s right hand will hold us fast.” (139:9-10)

While the psalmist paints this hopeful picture, we also know there are times in our lives when we feel like God is not present.  There are times in our lives, often provoked by tragedy and suffering, when we ask the question, “Where are you God?”  If we are honest with ourselves, we also might admit we often ask, “Where are you God?” when we do not get what we want at a particular moment in time.  Those moments of disappointment invite us to particular spiritual practices where we humbly learn to submit our plans to God.  But whether it’s the former (a real tragedy) or the latter (a perceived injustice) we still ask the question and the promise found in Psalm 139 remains.  God is still Present.  God is still Here. 

This Sunday, we will be highlighting our congregation’s ministry and mission partnership with One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS).  Through our partnership with OGHS we are able to respond to needs as soon as they happen.  Tens of thousands of people receive support for ongoing relief, rehabilitation and development at those very moments when they are experiencing tragedy or suffering.  Through our giving to OGHS we make it possible for people around the world to experience the promise of Psalm 139, that no matter what has happened to them, God is still present with them, for God’s people have not forgotten them and neither has God.  God is with them and you are with them too.

 

Pastor Dave