Where is God?

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?

Psalm 139:7 (WEB)

There is a young man who had believed in Jesus since the early days of childhood. He was determined to stick to the biblical worldview as he grew up.

He always had great courage and conviction. He started off on the right foot, reading his Bible regularly and talking to God like a friend. He was not ashamed.

He was even known for sharing his faith and truly had a heart for loving others.

Life began to get more challenging as he aged. Like many believers, dreams and ambitions became important and difficulties became more intense.

Deeper devotion to God’s Word grew but more antagonism from the world crept in.

The world is an impressive adversary.

He began to loosen his grip on God’s hand.

What a mystery that a believer can pull away, but God’s grasp on a true believer is changeless, secure.

Temptations grew to chaos. Our friend made the mistake of hesitation. He considered his options.

How can a young man keep his way pure?

By living according to Your Word.

Psalm 119:9 (WEB)

Believers, like our friend, have learned how pervasive temptations are on the path of a committed Christian. They are everywhere. They appeal to our basest selves. Pride.

How can we know the truth about God and push Him aside?

How can we know the death sentence of sin and the vileness of our own sin nature, and yet still crave it? But we do.

We are like children. Afraid of the dark. But unlike children, we seek the darkness.

The darkness around our friend grew.

If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me.

Ravaged by constant thoughts that God had left him because of his depravity. Had he gone too far? Even the plaguing doubt of his childhood faith and salvation nagged at him. Had God never come to him to begin with? The mental and emotional demons were relentless.

...and the light around me will be night,”

Psalm 139:11 (WEB)

He could not pray or read the Word. Church held no interest anymore. He had felt more hatred than love for those claiming to be God’s people, but who showed no sign of Godly compassion or faithfulness themselves.

What would become of him if he were to die? Would there be any hope?

Oh yes.

even the darkness doesn’t hide from you,
    but the night shines as the day.
    The darkness is like light to you.

Psalm 139:12 (WEB)

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity.
    Cleanse me from my sin.
³ For I know my transgressions.
    My sin is constantly before me.
⁴ Against you, and you only, I have sinned,
    and done that which is evil in your sight,
so you may be proved right when you speak,
    and justified when you judge.

Psalm 51:2-4 (WEB)

And there is a loving welcome and certain peace for every child of God who comes to Him in repentance.

How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
    How vast is their sum!
 If I would count them, they are more in number than the sand.
    When I wake up, I am still with you.

Psalm 139:17 & 18 (WEB)

Search me, God, and know my heart;
Put me to the test and know my anxious thoughts;

And see if there is any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.

Psalm 139:23 & 24 (WEB)

Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way. From now on, sin no more.”^[a]

John 8:11

World English Bible (WEB)

by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.