God is Always with Us

Hello, Bridge family. I hope you're all doing well. This week, we shared the story of Elisha and the armies of God. It’s a great story that shows us all that, even if we don’t feel like it, God is always with us. Check it out. You can find it in the book of 2 Kings, chapter 6.


Too often, the idea that God is always with us is a parental code for: God is watching you, so you’d better be good, because the proverbial hammer of God is locked, cocked, and ready to rock the moment you step out of line. Yes, we are all accountable to God for our actions. However, using the idea of an ever-present God to instill fear and achieve right behavior in our children completely overlooks the central message of God’s omnipresence.


I recently listened to a podcast that explored what it means to have an ever-present God. I appreciate that it drew on King David’s words in Psalm 139. If you want to help your children understand a God who is always with us, Psalm 139 is a great place to start. David helps us understand that God knows everything about us, is with us at all times and in all places, and that this is so mind-boggling that it is truly beyond our ability to understand. Think about it. There are eight billion people in the world, and none of us can escape God, who knows every detail of our lives.


I think my favorite verses in this Psalm are 17 and 18: “How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.” They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me! That is the essence of an omnipresent God.


God's omnipresence is both fearfully overwhelming and beautifully protective. Yes, it brings accountability, but more than that, it gives us unshakable security. ** David’s motivation for obedience to God was love. God’s love for us is unmerited, and our obedience should be an outpouring of love in response to His love, not fear. Omnipresence should be taught as a positive, not a negative. Don’t you think?


Remember, as long as your child is at home, you have a wonderful opportunity to share the Bible. Together, explore its stories, talk about how they relate to daily life, and encourage deeper family conversations. This makes faith an exciting and meaningful journey. God bless, and I look forward to seeing your family on Sunday.


Pastor Bob


**Foundation Worldview Podcast