The presence of God is a profound mystery.

He goes before us:

Deuteronomy 31:8: NIV: The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

He is present at all times, past, present, and future:

Psalm 139:5 You hem me in, behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.

The word hem can also mean surrounded or enclosed.

He pursues us:

Psalm 23:6  Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

The words “follow me” literally mean that God pursues us with His goodness and love. He pursues us even when we are not abiding in Him.

He is relentless.

I came across a passage from the Book of Wisdom when listening to my prayer app. What caught my attention was the discussion on the Holy Spirit and how He flees when we are deceitful. I know this sounds harsh or unkind. What about the Lord pursuing me? Yet, I thought about the times when I’m deceitful in my life with God. Not trusting Him, taking matters into my own hands when He clearly desires me to lean into His love, deceiving myself with shame, guilt, or unforgiveness. How can wisdom influence our lives when we are trapped in our own way of doing things? I think of relationships that I have that are complicated and all the barriers that get in the way of us experiencing true connection. It is not that we desire these barriers, but they exist, and we try to figure out a way to remove them or restore the relationship.

This takes time.

As we grow older, we come to realize that time becomes increasingly valuable. Each passing year brings with it a deeper appreciation of the intricate ways in which God works in our lives. We begin to recognize His profound wisdom woven through our experiences. Much like the small mustard seed that represents faith—seemingly insignificant yet capable of tremendous growth—we find that in our journey of faith, we experience profound restoration, healing, and insights that guide us. This process reflects God’s unwavering pursuit of us and our commitment to remain close to Him. The more we reflect on our lives, the clearer it becomes how His hand has shaped our paths, leading us toward understanding and fulfillment as we abide in His presence.

The timeless adage “Enjoy the journey” has gradually become a well-worn cliché over the years. However, what is it about our human expressions that consistently beckon us to embrace the present moment, to patiently await divine guidance, or to find solace in the assurance that “this too shall pass”? These phrases resonate deeply, reminding us to find meaning in our experiences, no matter how challenging they may be. They encapsulate the essence of living fully, urging us to savor each step along our path, while also offering hope and perspective during times of struggle.

If God exists beyond time, encompassing our past, present, and future, then it follows that His love is always within reach. We can find comfort in the assurance that we are cherished by Him. As our Savior and everlasting friend, He will never abandon or neglect us.

1. Personal Experience: Can you recall a time when you felt God’s presence guiding you through a difficult situation? What did that experience teach you about His faithfulness?
2. Understanding Deceit: How do you interpret the idea that the Holy Spirit flees when we are deceitful? Can you share any personal insights or struggles related to honesty in your relationship with God?
3. The Role of Wisdom: In what ways do you believe wisdom can help us break down barriers in our relationships with others? How can we apply this wisdom to enhance our connections?
4. Value of Time: Why do you think the value of time becomes clearer as we get older? How can this understanding of time influence our approach to faith and relationships?
5. Embracing the Journey: What does the phrase “Enjoy the journey” mean to you personally? How can we actively incorporate this mindset into our daily lives, especially during challenging times?
6. God Beyond Time: How does the concept of God existing beyond time shape your understanding of His love and presence in your life? In what ways does this offer you comfort or perspective?
7. Reflection on Growth: How have you seen your faith grow or change over time? What role do experiences of restoration and healing play in your spiritual journey?
8. Living Fully: What practical steps can we take to savor the present and find meaning in our experiences, even when faced with difficulty?