Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 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, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

When we leave, retreat, run away, or avoid the body of Christ and the filling of God’s Spirit — we grieve God. Why do I say this? Because the truth is this: “For we are God’s handiwork [masterpiece], created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬)

God gave me the gift of parents and family who were Christians, and of an early miracle in my life when I was five years old. These gifts were to build my faith.

However, challenging and hard days came too, in my junior and senior high years. My confidence took a hit and my life seemed different from so many other teenagers my age. God allowed the sin and hardship in this world to test my faith.

As I built my walls to protect myself, leaned into sinful coping mechanisms to make myself feel good and loved (even if only for a second), God was still there. He loved me, though at times I could not love others or myself very well.

As I grew older I saw more challenges, but God continued to provide for me in the midst of them. I could drift away, at times, but he was always faithful to pursue me. Later in life, I now realize I can never leave too much, outrun, or avoid God enough … to erase his love for me.

HIS LOVE IS NOT CONDITIONAL ON MY ACTIONS OR GOOD WORKS! Instead it is faithful and steady — it is always there.

When we come to the end of ourselves and our efforts to perform to earn salvation or retreat and run away from pain, we realize: There is NOWHERE we can go to flee from the Spirit of God, who pursues us relentlessly. He has never given up on me. Why? Because he made me and formed me. He designed me for greatness! And he will never give up on you either. Let us celebrate the great love and works of our Almighty God!

Lord, thank you for the gift of dwelling in your presence. Thank you for pursuing me relentlessly for so many years. Come and use me today and help me to be filled with your Spirit and the good gifts you give. Bring the blessing of your grace and restoration to all those around me.