PSALM 139 | AUGUST 17, 2025

God is Always With You – Chip Henderson

Sermon Highlights

Key Passage: Psalm 139:7-12

Psalm 139 is a psalm of worship written by David, meant to lead God’s people to reflect on who God is and how personally He relates to us. In verses 7–12, David celebrates God’s omnipresence—His constant, unshakable presence in every place and every moment. From the highest heights to the lowest depths, across the farthest distances, and even in the darkest moments, God is already there.

We cannot outrun God, hide from Him, or move beyond His reach. Yet for David, this was not a reason for fear but for comfort. The God who is everywhere is also with you personally, leading, holding, and sustaining you.

  • When you move to a new place, God is with you. From the pasture to the palace, from hometown to college, from one state to another, God’s presence goes with you. Be confident that God is not just with you, but He wants to use you to bring His Kingdom right where you are.
  • When you do things you are ashamed of, God is with you. Your worst moments do not drive Him away. Through Jesus, you are forgiven, marked as His, and restored to joy. His presence renews and strengthens you to walk in His ways.
  • When life is dark and difficult, God is with you. In seasons of loss, rejection, or hardship, His presence brings strength and grace to endure. The darkness that overwhelms you is still as light to Him.
  • When you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, God is with you. Even death cannot separate you from Him. For those in Christ, it is the passage into eternal life in His presence.

God’s omnipresence is not a threat but an anchor. Wherever you go, whatever you face, you can move forward with courage, knowing you never take a single step alone.

INTRO

Icebreaker

If you could instantly be anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and what’s the first thing you would do?

Transition to Discussion

We’ve shared a little about where we might want to go, but Psalm 139:7-12 reminds us that no matter where we are, in a new place, during a dark season, or facing our deepest fears, God is already there. Let’s explore this passage and discuss what it reveals about His presence in our lives.

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Read Psalm 139:7-12 together as a group. Consider reading it in a couple of different translations, like the ESV and NLT, to hear it in a fresh way.

  1. Looking at Psalm 139:7-12, what do David’s words teach you about God’s presence that you may have overlooked or underestimated?
  2. When in your life have you been most aware of God’s presence? When have you struggled to believe He was there? What made the difference?
  3. David described trying to flee from God’s presence. Have you ever tried to avoid God? What motivated that, and what brought you back?
  4. Read Isaiah 41:10. When have you moved to a new place, changed jobs, or entered a new season and sensed God guiding you? How did that shape your trust in Him? 
  5. Read 2 Corinthians 12:8-9. When life hasn’t changed the way you hoped or prayed it would, how have you experienced God’s presence and grace carrying you through? How does this promise give you confidence for the future?
  6. Read Isaiah 43:1-2. What “waters” or “fire” are you facing right now, and how could remembering God’s promise to be with you change how you confront them?
  7. Read Psalm 23:4-6. How does this passage change the way you think about death and eternity for a believer?
  8. If God’s presence is unshakable and His promise of eternal life through Jesus is certain, what bold step of faith will you take this week?

NEXT STEP

God’s presence is not meant to trap you but to give you peace, courage, and purpose wherever He has placed you. This week, take a step toward living with greater confidence in His presence and letting Him use you where you are. Choose one of these challenges:

  • Identify a bold step of faith you can take this week (see question 8). Write it down and commit to taking action. 
  • Memorize a verse from Psalm 139:7-12 that stood out to you (or go all in and memorize all 6!)
  • Begin or end each day this week by reading Psalm 139:7-12 slowly, picturing what it means that God is with you everywhere.

Ask God to help you notice His presence in both ordinary moments and challenging situations.

PRAYER

Let’s take a few quiet moments to pray and respond to what we’ve read and discussed. God’s presence is constant. You cannot outrun it, and you cannot lose it. Let that truth settle over you. I’m going to guide us through a few prompts. You don’t need to pray out loud—just talk to God silently and honestly in your heart.

  • First, thank God for one specific way His presence has been a comfort or help to you recently.
  • Next, bring to Him any place in your life where you’ve felt alone, unseen, or afraid. Ask Him to remind you He’s already there.
  • Now, ask God to show you where He has placed you for Kingdom purposes and to give you the courage to live for Him there.
  • Finally, thank Him for the promise that He will never leave you and that in Christ you will spend eternity in His presence.

Let’s sit quietly for just a moment, then I’ll close by reading Psalm 139:7-12 again as a reminder that no matter where you go, God is already there.