The children of Israel did not just see time differently than God did, they also saw His presence differently. While Moses was up the mountain meeting with God, the Israelites concluded that God was absent, and all His focus was on top of the mountain while they were neglected at its base. They failed to understand that God is omnipresent (not contained in one place) and that He is omniscient (knows and is fully aware of all).

They pleaded with Aaron to make a god they could see, touch, and worship. They thought God was distant from them and they wanted to make a god that would always be present. Notice God’s awareness to what happened though. God told Moses exactly what the people did – even what they said. God was not absent. He was not distracted.

The same God who was ever-present with Israel in the wilderness, the same God who was all-knowing of all Israel did, is with us as well. He is just as aware of our lives, too. This is a great comfort for us; it reminds us we are never alone and nothing happens to us apart from God’s full knowledge and His sovereign hand.

Does God’s presence in and awareness of your life encourage you or concern you? Why?