DEVOTION: Psalm 139:9–10 — “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me.”
Good Sunday morning, church family.
This Sunday morning finds Nancy, me, Dan, Steph, and Dennis a long way from home, on the other side of the Atlantic in Northern Ireland. While we enjoy this travel opportunity, part of me will be thinking about all of you gathering for worship back home. It is strange to think about the distance between us. There is an ocean separating where I am from where you are. Yet the words of Psalm 139 remind us that there really is no place we can go where God is not already there.
“If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me.”
I especially love those two little words: “even there.” Whether we are sitting in worship at East Orrington, walking through the green countryside of Ireland, sitting beside someone in a hospital room, enjoying time with family, or finding ourselves somewhere we never expected to be—even there, God is with us. And perhaps there is another beautiful reminder in this. This morning, Christians are gathering all over the world. Different languages, different traditions, different styles of worship, but the same Jesus Christ.
So although I may be far from home this Sunday, in the most important way, we really aren't that far apart. We are worshiping the same God. We are held by the same grace. And wherever we may be, His hand is still guiding us. Have a beautiful Sunday, family. Know that Nancy and I will be thinking of you—and worshiping right along with you from the other side of the sea.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for this day and for wherever it finds us. Thank You that whether we are at home or far away, You are there. Be with our church family this morning as they gather for worship, and be with Nancy and me as we travel. Keep us safe, help us enjoy the beauty around us, and remind us that wherever we go, we are never far from You. Thank You for loving us and walking with us each day. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Psalm 139:9–10 — “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me.”
Good Sunday morning, church family.
This Sunday morning finds Nancy, me, Dan, Steph, and Dennis a long way from home, on the other side of the Atlantic in Northern Ireland. While we enjoy this travel opportunity, part of me will be thinking about all of you gathering for worship back home. It is strange to think about the distance between us. There is an ocean separating where I am from where you are. Yet the words of Psalm 139 remind us that there really is no place we can go where God is not already there.
“If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me.”
I especially love those two little words: “even there.” Whether we are sitting in worship at East Orrington, walking through the green countryside of Ireland, sitting beside someone in a hospital room, enjoying time with family, or finding ourselves somewhere we never expected to be—even there, God is with us. And perhaps there is another beautiful reminder in this. This morning, Christians are gathering all over the world. Different languages, different traditions, different styles of worship, but the same Jesus Christ.
So although I may be far from home this Sunday, in the most important way, we really aren't that far apart. We are worshiping the same God. We are held by the same grace. And wherever we may be, His hand is still guiding us. Have a beautiful Sunday, family. Know that Nancy and I will be thinking of you—and worshiping right along with you from the other side of the sea.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for this day and for wherever it finds us. Thank You that whether we are at home or far away, You are there. Be with our church family this morning as they gather for worship, and be with Nancy and me as we travel. Keep us safe, help us enjoy the beauty around us, and remind us that wherever we go, we are never far from You. Thank You for loving us and walking with us each day. In Jesus' name, Amen.