You are never alone

Introduction (5m)

Mums have eyes in the back of their heads!

Usually from kitchen to other room!

Mums cannot be present everywhere (whatever they might say!) but God’s presence is everywhere

Psalm 139:7–11 (TPT)

Where could I go from your Spirit? Where could I run and hide from your face? If I go up to heaven, you’re there! If I go down to the realm of the dead, you’re there too! If I fly with wings into the shining dawn, you’re there! If I fly into the radiant sunset, you’re there waiting! Wherever I go, your hand will guide me; your strength will empower me. It’s impossible to disappear from you or to ask the darkness to hide me, for your presence is everywhere, bringing light into my night.

In a hospital room, in the home of a grieving family, in an exam room, in maternity ward, prison, on beach, on holiday, on a dog walk, etc.

We cannot escape his presence

Last week - fully known by God - this week, we cannot escape his presence. Everywhere, pursues us, run into him at every turn.

Explanation (5m)

How do you feel about that? Claustrophobic or threatened? Or comforted and trusting?

Can be comforting especially when we find ourselves in difficult circumstances

Lifts us up into the arms of loving Father. Known and understood. Needs anticipated and met. God’s knowledge and presence are focused on us > confidence.

But some feel threatened - Why do we fear mums with eyes in the back of their heads?

Often because we know we are doing wrong. Feel guilty. Fear judgment. Fear punishment.

It’s the same with God - wanting to escape his presence, feeling hemmed in by it - is because we fear his judgment, and that’s often because we are outside of his will

As old as the Fall - walking with God in garden > desire to escape. Psalmist considers doing the same. But realises all escape routes will fail - heaven, realm of dead, east, west, even darkness.

When we are in sin, we come to see God as Big Brother

Waiting to jump on smallest mistake > feelings of fear and anxiety.

If we want to remain comfortable in our sin, to be left alone, then God’s constant, inescapable presence will leave us feeling guilty and uncomfortable

If we are being obedient and following his purpose for our lives then we have nothing to fear as the psalmist makes clear - and his grace covers those times when we sin and need to seek his forgiveness

Spirit of psalm is not fear, but trust. Psalmist depends on God.

Psalm 139:23–24 (TPT)

God, I invite your searching gaze into my heart. Examine me through and through; find out everything that may be hidden within me. Put me to the test and sift through all my anxious cares. See if there is any path of pain I’m walking on, and lead me back to your glorious, everlasting way—the path that brings me back to you.

Sift my anxious cares = show me where I feel fear, anxiety, guilt because I realise they are because of my sin (but NB: not a sin). Forgive me. Allow your grace to bridge gap between acceptance and judgment and put me on the right path.

Application (5m)

Take time simply to rest in God’s presence

Be still, draw close to and hear from God

Find a quiet and comfortable place to read and to pray—a location free from interruption or distraction

Choose something to focus on that brings glory to Jesus: a word, Scripture verse, or godly quality

Close your eyes. Fill your heart, focus your mind, and feed your soul with the chosen word, principle, or characteristic

Ponder, and reflect

Pray in Jesus’ name

Now is the time to listen—the time to move from your head to your heart. Be still, be quiet, just be. Wait. Keep your eyes closed, your body still, and your mind on God

As he sifts your anxious cares you will sense his presence and can examine whether you feel fear or guilt or trust and comfort - will lead you to discover whether you are in his will or not

Next Steps

Video - Centring Prayer Psalm 139

Video: Centring Prayer Psalm 139 | 8:00