October 6, 2022
"The Presence of God"
Carol Nussbaumer
Volunteer, Colorado
"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.” Psalm 139:9-10
According to the footnotes in my NIV Bible, the “wings of the dawn” and the “far side of the sea” represent the two horizontal extremes: east and west; a literary usage which really means us to think “the whole creation.” In other words, there is no place where we are not in the presence, and under the care, of God. The rest of this Psalm talks about God’s constant presence. There is no place to escape His gaze or hide from Him – not even in Heaven or in Sheol. That is a very comforting thought to those who are driving into the remote regions where MMM helps install wells. When we don’t quite know where we are, God does. He knows if that bridge is safe or if we should ford the river, and it would be an excellent idea to ask Him and wait for the answer.
Our God is here in Africa and keeping an eye on every truck and team no matter where they are ALL THE TIME, AT THE SAME TIME. He is also watching those we care about back home. As humans, we find it hard to comprehend that idea – actually, we can’t comprehend it! It is sometimes comforting to know God is with me, right here, right now, no matter what, but sometimes the same thoughts are a bit frightening because there are times we’d rather God wasn’t keeping a close watch on us.
Not only is He watching us, but the Psalmist says “Your right hand will hold me fast.” Here in Africa, we mzungu sometimes don’t understand the significance of using the right hand. The right hand is considered to be the “clean” hand. We eat with it. It is the one extended in friendship. And it is the one our God uses to hold on to us. When in a difficult situation somewhere in the African backcountry, you can be sure His arm – His right arm – is around you, holding tight. Pause – settle your nerves – take a deep breath and see if you can even physically feel that Presence. It will be His right arm, so if you are driving, God will be on the passenger side – maybe He even straddles that darn gear shift. And why shouldn’t He? You are going out to see some of His children and give them clean water.
Application Question: Can you be open today to the possibility of an actual, physical presence of God close beside you?
Prayer: lmighty Father, thank You for promising to be close beside me, holding me up with Your right hand. Thank You for the gift of Your presence even when I’d rather You weren’t looking. Father, receive my praise for all You do and have done and will do.
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