God is Omnipresent
When things do not go as we had planned, we evaluate why things did not go as planned When things go wrong time and time again or it’s something big, I think it’s normal for us to begin to question God.
My first trip as a Youth Director was to the creation music festival. We borrowed a 15 passenger van from a family in our church and while on the way to the festival I got a call from the other leader driving behind us and she said “There’s green stuff coming out from under the van and hitting my windshield”. I proceed to pull the van over and all these thoughts are running through my mind. “I don’t know the first thing about cars”, “What am I going to do with the teens”, “How will I explain this to the people who loaned us the van?”, “Will these parents ever let me take their teens anywhere ever again”. The practical questions quickly turned to questions of lament “Why is this happening God?”, “Don’t you care about me or these kids?” “I’m doing this to help teens draw closer to you, couldn’t you help me out?”
In Pastor Chuck’s sermon on Psalm 13 “Were are you God?” He lays out 3 “cries of David”. “Where are you God”, “Have you forgotten me”, “Will I have to take Care of Myself?” I do not think it’s a stretch to say that the same cries that David had have been uttered by Christians during 2020. A pandemic is sweeping the world – “Where are you God?” Nothing makes sense right now – “Have you forgotten me?” I might lose my job – “Will I have to Take Care of Myself?”
It’s natural to question in times of uncertainty. In those times however we need to remind ourselves of who God is and his promises. One of the things we know to be true about God is that he is omnipresent. God is present in all places at all times. He is everywhere! The best illustration of this is found in Psalm 139:7-12 where David says “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” David is saying we cannot escape God’s presence. However, if we cannot escape it then we are at the same time never alone God is always nearby.
In Matthew 5:8 Jesus says “Blessed are the Pure in Heart for they shall see God”. This term pure in heart has two connotations. Those who at the core of their being desire that which is morally right and those who have an undivided focus on God. I think sometimes we forget that God is always with us because our focus is divided. We may want to please God in a very sincere way but at the same time because of our sinful nature there is a part of us that also wants what we desire. In other words we have a divided focus.
When the van broke down on the way to Creation my first thoughts were all about the safety of our teens and perception of me as a leader. Once I calmed down, I was able to see that God was at work. One of the teens had AAA so we were able to call a tow truck. While waiting for a tow truck another church from our area headed to Creation happened to pass us, pulled over and asked if they could help. It just so happened that they had just enough spaces in their transportation for our students. So, our other leader accompanied that church with our teens to the festival. Two pastor friends of mine were able to secure a rental to replace the van we had borrowed. There was God moment after God moment on that trip. My initial reaction was to cry out “Where are you God” but the fact was God’s provision and presence was all around me during that trip and I almost missed it because I was so worried about me.
I think it’s normal to question. But in our questioning we also need to remind ourselves of the truth. I want to leave you with the lyrics to an Audio Adrenaline song titled “Leaving 99.” It’s a song about the parable of the Lost sheep. However I think the lyrics of the verses are very fitting for our world in 2020 and our topic for today.
“I’m lost and broken, All alone on this road. The wheels keep turning, But the feeling is gone. When I
fear, I’m on my own You remind me I am not alone”
“It’s dark and lonely, And the path is unclear. Can’t move my feet, Because I’m frozen with fear. And
you say, My child, my child, I am always here, I’m at your side”
Remember that no matter the situation in front of you, You Are Not Alone.
– Adam Deering
