Posted By Michael Breznau on Jul 23, 2016

God’s Word brings comfort, peace, and joy today. No matter our circumstances, location, or challenge…God knows it all and He is with us in it all. King David took hope and lifted up praise by reflecting on God’s omniscience in these beautiful lines of Psalm 139:

“O LORD, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it.” (Psalm 139:1-6)

Our God sees each smile and tear. He hears each laugh, sigh, and cry. He knows every thought, intent, motive, and desire. Yet He does not stand aloof from our circumstances, for His total knowledge is always accompanied by His total presence. He enters into the mountaintops and shadows of our lives, lovingly guiding the steps of His children. His omniscience is joined with omnipresence. So David sings:

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me and Your right hand will lay hold of me.” (Psalm 139:7-1)

My lovely parents, Charles and Diane Breznau.

When I was a young boy, my dad would often gently place his hand on my shoulder for a number of reasons: to guide me in the right direction, express love, and show how proud he was of me. Even now, he will sometimes put his hand on my shoulder, look into my eyes, and ask me how I’m really doing, as only a father can do. When my dad is at my side, it seems I find new strength, courage, and peace.

Don’t miss how this psalm paints a similar vivid picture in two separate lines (v. 5 – “You…laid Your hand upon me” and v. 10 – “…and Your right hand will lay hold of me.”). Our powerful heavenly Father, who loves us even overwhelmingly more than our earthly fathers is right now looking into our eyes, knowing our thoughts, and guiding us with His hand. He is at your side and watching the path.

So what are you facing today?

Perhaps you have a schedule of swimming and fun in the sun? You can rejoice even more deeply in the grace of God’s creation, knowing He is smiling with you in that joy.

On the flip-side, has the past week left you a little frazzled? Has a circumstance crushed your soul? Maybe a phone call, family situation, or job crisis took a turn for the worst? In the center of our messes, God offers us renewed hope and courage because He is present in our struggles. Always.

He is near to those who call upon His name.
He will never leave us defenseless.
He knows every terrible thing about all of us, yet He loves all of us more than we could ever imagine in a thousand years.

His hand is on your shoulder today. Let’s not forget He is there and here and everywhere…. with us, His redeemed children.

In Christ Alone,