If I travel...



View from Zomba Plateau, Malawi 2009


Just before I left for Malawi, one of my friends sent a square, red note card with part of Psalm 139 written inside. That card traveled all the way to Africa with me, and those verses continue to travel with me. I had memorized Psalm 139 as a teen, but the words gained significance as I ventured internationally alone. Though no one else traveled with me, I knew Jesus was right there with me on the airplanes, in a strange culture, and without my family. When I travel, I take comfort in knowing God is the same God on my home continent as He is on any other continent. He is omni-present. Hallelujah!

The other day, before I drifted off to sleep, I read over Psalm 139 on my iPod. I have a couple different Bible translations on my iPod that I don't normally use. I was struck with some of the word choice in this version (NET):

O Lord, you examine me and know.
You know when I sit down and when I get up; even from far away you understand my motives.
You carefully observe me when I travel or when I lie down to rest;
you are aware of everything I do.
Certainly my tongue does not frame a word without you, O Lord, being thoroughly aware of it.
You squeeze me in from behind and in front;
you place your hand on me.
Your knowledge is beyond my comprehension;
it is so far beyond me, I an unable to fathom it.
Where can I go to escape your spirit?
Where can I flee to escape your presence?
If I were to ascend to heaven, you would be there.
If I were to sprawl out in Sheol, there you would be.
If I were to fly away on the wings of the dawn,
and settle down on the other side of the sea,
even there your hand would guide me,
your right hand would grab hold of me.
Psalm 139:1-10