Surrounded

“Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.” 

This' the eighth stanza of St. Patrick's Breastplate. It is a prayer that St. Patrick first spoke in the 5th century, while ministering to the nation of Ireland. The stanza, as well as the entire poem, describe the completeness of God's presence. A presence that comes out of His love for us, covering every direction and action we take.

What's important to realize is that His presence is not meant to intimidate you or cage you in. It is an encompassing meant to comfort and encourage you when you're lonely. It seeks to bolden you when you are afraid, and humble you when you get ahead of yourself. And why does this presence completely surround you? Because being beside you is the only place God wants to be (Revelation 21:3). And 'abiding in him' (1 John 4:16) is where we can find peace.

After living in this world for a while, we get used to things changing, or ending all together; often abruptly and leaving us unfulfilled. This pattern is familiar and it becomes what we expect, maybe even fear. This is not to be confused with human development, maturity, or growth, as these are all things God encourages. Yet, He also encourages us to trust that He will never change and certainly never leave us alone. Cold rejection or heartless abandonment, betrayal or lying... it's not going to happen with God. He's honest, and He's always there.

"You make known to me the path of life; 

you fill me with joy in your presence, 

with eternal pleasures at you right hand."

~Psalm 16:11~