As I mentioned in my October 24, 2019 post, the first thing we hung in our new home was a thrift store plaque: "Bidden or unbidden, God is present." While it is often attributed to Carl Jung, because he had it carved (in Latin) over his doorway and on his tomb, it was actually popularized by the philosopher/theologian Erasmus, who attributed it to 5th century Spartans.

Through its circuitous route, this ancient phrase comes to us. Simple and powerful. For me, it's a reminder and a call. A call to ask God to be with me. And a reminder that He is with me, even when I am too busy or forgetful or self-focused to ask Him, He is there. He is omnipresent. He is Jehovah-Shammah: The Lord who is present. Psalm 139:7 confirms it: "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall hold me."

What better way to mark this new, untried year than with the reminder: God is present.

* * * * *

If you'd like to make your own collection of Sage Sayings, I'm posting printable versions on my Resource page. Print them out - post them on a clipboard, or slap them into your journal, or stick them in a card, or frame them to display. Simple words can stir our hearts!

* * * * *