PSALM 139:7

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

TO PONDER

Have you ever seen a small child try to do a 'magic' trick for an adult. It usually involves trying to quickly (but not subtly) hiding something behind their back to make said object "disappear". Two of my own three children thought they were very clever when they first discovered this trick, and as an encouraging parent, I played along and acted surprised when their magical items mysteriously vanished in that magical place that exists somewhere behind each of us.

Of course I knew the items were still there, and while my kids perhaps thought they had deceived me, the reality was that I knew what was going on.

This example may seem childish, but it's to a lot different from what Jonah did or what many of us do on a daily basis. Problem is, when we try to fool God, the only ones we end up fooling are ourselves. We can decide not to do what God wants, and try to 'make up for it' in whatever way we might imagine, and fool ourselves that our disobedience doesn't really matter because we did all this other stuff - we hide our disobedience behind our 'good works'. But that doesn't fool God.

We convince ourselves, and try to convince God that we are really following him. After all, it doesn't really matter if one step is out of place if we get the other 9 steps right does it???

The reality is that even all our 'good works' don't hide the sin and disobedience from God. We'd be better off facing the reality that we have stopped following Him and asking him to help set us straight than to continue with the charade.

Of course, the other part of this Psalm is also a wonderful blessing - no matter where we find ourselves or how much 'hiding' or 'disappearing' we might have tried, God's presence never leaves us. In fact, he promises that he will never leave or forsake his people. So the only decision then is simply this, keep trying to uphold the illusion or get busy accepting the truth and allowing God to do His work in and through you?

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I thank you that there is nowhere I can go to hide from you; no place I can run to escape your presence. I know that doesn't stop me from trying at times. Please help me to remember today, that you are with me and you know my heart. Please give me the courage to drop the facade and to accept the reality that I cannot do this life without you. Help me to embrace the reality of your lordship in my life and life today for your glory. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle