Thursday, June 18, 2026
Bible in a Year: Judges 17-21 | Philippians 1
Characteristics of God: He is omnipresent.
How does the idea of God always being with you make you feel?
It can be simultaneously comforting and unnerving. On one hand, knowing that God is with us during trials gives us strength to endure; however, it can also bring shame when we realize that God is an ever-present witness to our behaviors.
The idea of God’s constance presence is known as omnipresence. “Omni” is Latin for all, so by definition, God is “all present.” He is not only with us now but also is present with every person at every time, past, present, and future. It’s the kind of conception that messes with our time and location-bound brains.
However, just because God is everywhere at every time, he is not “in” everything - that is, pantheism. Unlike Christianity, many eastern religions claim that God is in all things - dog, dirt, and tree - so therefore, everything must be sacred. Christians believe God is separate from his creation.
Psalm 139 is one of the most beloved Psalms in the Bible. In it, David marvels at how intimately God knows him. He is comforted by the idea that no matter where he goes, God’s Spirit is always there, guiding and supporting him.
Psalm 139:7-10
I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.
The God who intimately knows me is present throughout the universe. He is intimately involved in the affairs of my life, and also equally present in the lives of every other person in the world, no matter what we are struggling with.
Jeremiah 23:23-24
“Am I a God who is only close at hand?” says the Lord. “No, I am far away at the same time. Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” says the Lord.
The nearness of God should bring his children peace. Whether we are honoring or dishonoring him, his presence comforts us with the knowledge that we are never alone. But, it should also make us pause and remember … God is present.
Questions:
Does it comfort you to know that God is always with you? Does it depend on the situation?
Do you sometimes wish God would leave you alone?
How can you welcome him into your life and rest in his presence this week?
Next Steps:
Read Psalm 139 and meditate on what it means to be fully known by God.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for promising to always be with me. Thank you for the assurance that no matter what happens to me, you are with me and know me. Thank you for seeing me as I am and still loving me. I am humbled that you know me so intimately. I pray that I always take comfort in your presence and never fear your nearness. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Jeremiah 9:23-24a
This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord….”
Written by Julie Mabus, a Whitehouse attendee and regular contributor to the Daily.