Psalm 139:1-4 (NIV): O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.
God knows every person on earth this intimately. He knows when every single person sits, and when they rise up again, because He is that close to each one. He knows the thought of every single person in the world, whether it is for good or evil, because He is that close to each one. He discerns the going out of each person (and precisely where they are going!), and when they lie down at the close of the day, because He is that close to each one. He is familiar with each person’s way, whether their intentions and actions are virtuous or sinful, because He is that close to each one. Before a person utters a single word, whether a prayer or a curse, whether a blessing or a cutting remark, He knows exactly what they will say, because He is that close to each one.
To the wicked, the very idea of God’s closeness is a cause for fear. They would much rather that He stay in heaven, only coming down when he is called for, when He is wanted. The idea that He sees their actions is frightening; the reality that He knows their thoughts and the intentions that are working in secret behind their smiles is terrifying.
But to those who truly know God, follow Him, and obey His commands, the idea of His closeness to them has the opposite effect. Their hearts are leaned toward Him completely, and they understand that He knows that, and showers them with His love, his blessings, and an even greater sense of His presence. They know that God is so close to them every moment of every day, never leaving or forsaking them, that it comforts their souls like that of a child who knows that their father keeps watch over them. They know that nothing will pass by Him to harm them outside of His will, and that, even if He allows some harm to come to them, He will still be right there with them to deal with it. They can even face death with fearlessness, knowing that God is always as close as their next breath, and will immediately receive them to Himself.
He is that close to every man, woman, and child on the earth. Those who don’t know Him, who are intimidated by the thought of His nearness, He continually coaxes, trying to get them to turn to Him, so that His closeness will be a comfort instead of a source of anxiety. Those who already know Him love the fact that He is always near, and sometimes even answers prayers before they are prayed. God continually speaks His wisdom, His peace, His passion, and His power into those lives and hearts, so that they can walk in His presence every day, and ultimately be received into His glory.
Father, I love the fact that You are always so close. It brings me joy and comfort to know that I am continually in Your presence now, and that I will be in Your presence forever more. Amen.