By Pastor Johnie Akers
Psalm 139:7, “Whither shall I go from Thy Spirit, or whither shall I flee from Thy presence?” The Bible reflects seven positions the Lord holds in relation to His people. (1) He is beside us, as a guide. Psalm 16:8 says, “I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” (2) He is before us, as an example to follow. John 10:4 says, “And when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him; for they know His voice.” (3) He is behindus, to protect us. Isaiah 52:12 says, “. . . the God of Israel will be your rereward.” The rereward in ancient armies, was the guard who brought up the rear. (4) He is beneathus, to sustain us. Deuteronomy 33:27 says, “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. . .” (5) He is above us, as our representative. Hebrews 9:24 says, “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” (6) He is around us, as our deliverer. Psalm 34:7 says, “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.” (7) He is within us, for power. Galatians 2:20 says, “I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Now, let’s carefully review where God is, in relation to us. He is beside us, before us, behind us, beneath us, above us, around us, and within us. David asked a question in Psalm 139:7, “Whither shall I go from Thy Spirit, or whither shall I flee from Thy presence?” The answer is clear, no matter where you are or where you are going, God is with you. Today, He is assuredly with you. No matter what circumstances you are in the midst of, or what trials you are facing today, allow His ever abiding presence to give you the strength, peace and comfort you need for this and each new day.
To establish the people of Central Appalachia in the principles of the Kingdom of God, and thereby releasing them to rise above all cultural, historical, economic, and generational limitations so they may live abundantly within their privileges and covenant as sons and daughters of God.