Key scripture – “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, watching the evil and the good. Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord, how much more the hearts of men!” (Proverbs 15: 3,11).

Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, whatever you are thinking, whatever is on your heart, God is there with you.

To the person who is not living for God, this is an unpleasant thought. They are thinking, “What? God is with me when I am doing my secret sins? God is watching when I dishonor Him? God is listening when I trash His name as a curse word? God was paying attention when I spoke so cruelly to that person? God will hold me accountable even for the things that nobody else can see?”

But to the person who loves and trusts God, the thought that God is with them all time is one of the most beautiful and comforting thoughts imaginable. God is there when nobody else notices that I am serving them. He is watching as you take care of your children, your family, or an aging parent. He is with you when you get bad news about your health or you lose your job. He walks with you through the darkness of uncertainty, reminding you that He is certain. He places His power on your ministry to other people, making it spiritually fruitful.

He is there with you right now, even as you read this devotional, ready to meet with you as you bow before Him in prayer. Stop, and get quiet before God and say to Him, “Here I am God… What are You saying to me? What plans do You have for me today?”
“O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.” (Psalm 139:1-4).

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, thank You for always being with me, for guiding me, and leading me in paths of righteousness. No matter what is going on I know that You never leave or forsake me. Forgive me for my thoughts, words and actions that are not pleasing to You. Like David, I want “the words of my mouth and meditations of my heart to be pleasing to You.” Pour Your Spirit out on me so that I walk upright and blameless. Give me the wisdom I need to ponder my answers before I speak so that my mouth is not like the mouth of the wicked that pours out evil things. (Proverbs 15:28). I pray that You, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23-24). Remove all iniquity from my heart so that my words are a blessing to other people and not curses on them. I want to build other people up, not tear them down. Jesus told us, “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” (Matthew 15:18-19). Cleanse my heart. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

 Laura Ingle