My daughter, Tammie, once told me, “Dad, you think too much.” She was referring to a moment when I wondered about some kind of intangible cosmic concept. But I have to admit I’m not the only one. When my granddaughter, Dakota, was 8 years old she asked me out of the blue, “Peepaw, what’s outside the universe?” And I think too much?
When I share that story I am often asked, “And what did you tell her?” The only thing I could and that outside the boundary of our universe is the Person of God. He’s both transcendent and immanent which is not to be confused with imminent-without delay. Being transcendent means He is above and beyond all things, even outside of the known universe; immanent simply means He is presently active in every area. I sometimes have to press my brain’s reset button when I try to contemplate a place I could go to be out of God’s presence.
I have often wondered why David’s thoughts on this are in the Bible. There is no secret theological fact in God being transcendent. There is no life concept that directs me to act a certain way in my relationship with Him. Yet here it is from a Jewish king who thought about it 3,000 years ago. Even at that I take comfort in knowing I rely on a God who is there and is able to meet my need. I’m just plain awed because through His power all things were made-things in heaven and on earth, things seen and unseen, all powers and authorities, lords, and rulers. All things were made through Christ and for Christ (Colossians 1:16). Yes, God is everywhere present and there is no place I can hide from His Spirit. The life lesson in this for me is huge. There is no place He is not and there is no moment He is not in for me and you. His Power and Might are unsearchable and His Loving Kindness so tender. He is large enough to transcend eternity yet able to abide intimately and personally within a surrendered heart. Now that’s something really big to think about.
Thank You Lord Jesus, creator of all that is, that You have chosen to live within your children and fill us with your glorious Presence. Amen.
Ken
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