APRIL 1, 2013
No
Substitute Needed
Read: Psalm 139:1-12
Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I
flee from Your presence?
—Psalm 139:7
While
I was visiting my son in San Diego, we decided to go to Shadow Mountain
Church
to hear Dr. David Jeremiah preach. Steve and I got up early on Sunday
morning and took the hour-long drive to the church. But our anticipation turned
to disappointment when we discovered that Dr. Jeremiah was not there that day.
“Some other guy”—a substitute—was preaching.
A
couple of weeks later, I was scheduled to preach at the church in Grand Rapids
where my wife and I attend. As I stood in front of the congregation, I realized
that
now I was “some other guy” and they might be disappointed because they had
come to hear our pastor—not me—speak.
While
we find comfort in the familiarity of those we depend on in life, we have to
recognize that at times they can be substituted. But the One we need most—the
One on whom we depend for life itself—is always present (Ps. 139:7-8). When we
desire to enter God’s presence in prayer, He is always there: “Evening and
morning
and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice”
(55:17).
Looking
for God? He’s always right there. No substitute needed.
Dear Lord, I am so thankful that You are always present.
I never need to make an appointment to speak to You,
the God of the universe. No matter where I go or what
time it is, I can depend on Your presence.
When you come to the Lord, there is no waiting line—His ears are
always
open to your cry.
Source: Our Daily Bread 2013
