Back in the 80s there was a rock group led by Sting called The Police. I was a bit past the rocker stage, but they recorded a song which I still play because it resonates with me as I consider my relationship with the Lord.
“Every breath you take
And every move you make
Every bond you break, every step you take
I’ll be watchin’ you…
Every single day
And every word you say
Every game you play, every night you stay
I’ll be watchin’ you…
Every move you make
And every bond you break
Every smile you fake, every claim you stake
I’ll be watchin’ you.” (“Every Breath You Take” by The Police)
Many might find that a bit creepy, to think anyone would be watching and know that much about what we say or do. Yet, those of you who are familiar with Scripture are aware that God is present in our lives – even before we are born.
“Before you were in your mother’s womb, I knew you.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
“Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
“Where can I go from Your Spirit, or where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalm 139:7)
“He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
“The Spirit of truth abides with you and will be IN you.” (John 14:17)
“And, lo, I am with you always to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
So, the question is: Are these words comforting …or, convicting? We could list an abundance of scenarios and create a quiz of sorts, couldn’t we?
Comforting or convicting? Suppose:
1.You are in the hospital, recovering from surgery.
2. You can’t go anywhere and feel terribly alone.
3. You are driving on the freeway going 20 miles over the speed limit.
4. You have just been given too much change in a store.
Ok. You get the idea. As we see it, there are two sides to this truth. One says how great it is that God is always with us, and we are never alone. The other panics because we realize that we are never alone!!! He is always there, witnessing our actions, hearing our choices in clean or foul language, knowing our innermost thoughts. Yikes! Is there any way around this dilemma? Well, as my husband often says, “You can’t have it both ways.” So, then, how about looking at the convicting part as an opportunity for growth? A challenge to become more like Christ. I look forward to the day when, as John tells us (1 John 3:2) “We know that when He appears, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM because we shall see Him as just He is.” In the meantime, that takes a bit of filing down the edges and some tweaking here and there. Isn’t that a good thing?
So, maybe there’s no controversy, after all… 🙂
“He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
Thanks Teri. I’m learning a new concept of aloneness that I never expected at least this soon so I think it’s comforting to know I’m not really alone. And yes convicting too knowing that “I’m not alone” really! Interesting, convicting and comforting all at the same time. Thanks for the encouraging weekly blogs. They bless me.
Great thoughts to consider! Yes, welcome Holy Spirit as I consider His presence comforting . . . and then when he reveals a sin in my life, conviction results. I’m so grateful that Jesus understands and sympathizes with our weaknesses, and graciously offers HELP in our time of need. And grows us up as we rely on Him.
Bless you Teri!
Thank you, Teri,
These are good words to ponder and can be considered both ways. How these words are received may depend one’s need one when God’s words come to mind. I understand convicting as not to punish but to correct so that one goes onto spiritual maturity in Christ.
Thank you for your insights and encouragement.
Thank you! Love you! anne
I like the words of “From a Distance” by Bette Midler which include that God is watching us (from a distance), again both convicting and comforting, but Dave says we can’t have both, so I say God is with us. It’s comfortably convicting.
It is so comforting to know that I am not alone.
To know that God is with me at all times and in all situations. Knowing He is with me is also convicting and helps me to do what I know He would want me to. He gives me strength when I am weak.
This is approximately the 4th time in a short period of time that Joshua 1:9 has come to me from
friends, etc. I felt it was a message from Jesus. I have written it on a 3 by 5 card and am working
on memorizing it. Thank you Teri for your wonderful inspiring thoughts and words. I always felt
the Holy Spirit was always with you.
In prayer,
Nancy
Great song! You gave it a much more positive spin and I love it