How can I understand God better?

on Jun 14, 2024

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: It’s hard to see the world and comprehend God being all-knowing and everywhere all the time, concluding that He is in control. How can this be? – H.G.

A: The Lord asks, “Can anyone hide himself in secret places, so I shall not see him? … Do I not fill heaven and earth?” (Jeremiah 23:24).

David prayed, “Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You … are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me” (Psalm 139:1–5, NKJV).

While David couldn’t explain the manner of God’s omniscient (all-knowing) love, he could tell how it affected him: “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; … I cannot attain it” (Psalm 139:6, NKJV).

The psalmist acknowledges God is, indeed, in every place. “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” (Psalm 139:7–8, NIV).

If one could climb to the highest heights or descend to the lowest depths, one couldn’t escape the presence of Almighty God. This is what the omniscience (all-knowing) and omnipresence (everywhere at once) of God means to us in practical terms. “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” (Psalm 139:9–10, NIV).

There’s no point of space, inside or outside the bounds of creation, where God is not present. That’s why when the question is asked, “Who’s in control?” the answer without equivocation:“ God is!”

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)