“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence?” (Psalm 139:7)
The words of the above text beautifully represent the sheer immensity and boundless omnipresence of God. The question is posed, “Where would I flee from your presence?” And the response comes back, “There is nowhere you can go where I am not.”
Regarding both questions in this passage, we only need to observe that they are not asked in reference to God’s knowledge or power, but rather about his very essence. For these questions refer to his Spirit and his face (by which the essence of God is often indicated as in Ex. 33:20, 23, cf. v. 18). Nothing is more clearly evident here than that God is immense and omnipresent in regard to his person, coexisting with every space and every creature in space.
As God cannot be confined to any place, neither can he be excluded from any. And by default, therefore, he sees and knows all. He has full knowledge of the secret places for he fills both heaven and earth. It therefore follows that his omnipresence and his omniscience are interchangeable. “All things are open and naked before him,” (Heb. 4:13).
His ability to see those acts committed in secret terrorizes the ungodly, but this same knowledge is joy to the righteous. David speaks with both wonder and gladness, “Whither shall I go from thy Spirit, or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there; if I make my bed in hell, behold thou art there; if I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost part of the sea, even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me,” (Ps. 139:7-10).
Throughout Scripture, the aid of the Spirit of God is also referenced in this context. “The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God,” (1 Cor. 2:10). Surely then, the Spirit knows the deepest things in man. He removes the fig leaves of excuses and presents us naked and bare before God. He also reveals to us the truth of God’s grace; and he does both infallibly. Therefore, his light and help are to be desired. Nathaniel Vincent said, “In whatever secret corner you are in, God is with you; all your sights and groans, your complaints and desires are taken notice of.”
He who is infinite cannot be restricted. He who is independent cannot be bound. He who is immutable cannot be transferred from one place to another. He who is omnipotent works everywhere and exists everywhere. And he who is most perfect cannot be robbed of the perfection of his immensity and omnipresence.
In light of these truths, consider the words of Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Contemplations:
- Lord, you are everywhere. In all my dangers and troubles, whether impending or currently pressing, you are present with me. And not only by your essence but also by your grace.
- If I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, there is no evil that I should fear, “For you are with me, and your rod and your staff, they comfort me,” (Ps. 23:4; Isa. 43:1-2; Rom. 8:31). When is this? In what circumstances? Namely (1) in loneliness, in the farthest part of the seas (Ps. 139:9-10); (2) in exile and on dangerous journeys (Gen. 39:2); (3) in prison (Gen. 39:21); (4) in the persecutions of enemies oppressing the godly (Ps. 46:5); (5) in diseases, and even in death itself, when all others fail (Ps. 23:4).
- I must keep this truth in my heart as it will sustain my soul: the immense God is at my right hand (Ps. 16:8). He tells me “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” (Heb. 13:5).
- Augustine said, “What adversary do you fear, since God the King is in you as your portion?” And likewise, “What man do you fear, you who have been set in the bosom of God?” Keep me continually aware, Lord, of your utter and constant nearness.
Further References for Psalm 139:7:
Eph. 4:6; Jer. 23:24; 1 Kings 8:27; 1 Cor. 12:6.
