Remembering Who Is Present
By Pastor Jerry A. Burns
There is a simple story told about the father of President Woodrow Wilson, who faithfully served as a minister in the American South. One day, he found himself standing among a group of men engaged in a heated discussion. As tempers flared, one of the men lost control and uttered a loud oath. Only afterward did he notice that Reverend Wilson was standing there. Embarrassed, the man quickly apologized. “Sir,” he said, “I had forgotten that you were present. Please pardon me.”
Dr. Wilson’s response was both gracious and convicting: “It is not to me that you owe an apology, but to God.”
What a profound reminder. Too often we live as though our actions are only seen by the people around us. We are careful with our words when certain individuals are nearby, yet careless when we think no one is watching. But the Christian life is not lived before men—it is lived before God. Every conversation, every decision, every thought, and every attitude takes place in His presence.
Joseph understood this truth when he fled from temptation. He did not simply say that sin would disappoint others; he declared, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” David, after his great failure, cried, “Against thee, thee only, have I sinned.” They understood that every sin is first and foremost an offense against a holy God.
As I reflect on this, I wonder how many of my choices would change if I consciously remembered that the Lord was standing beside me. Would I speak differently? Would I react differently? Would I spend my time differently? The fear of the Lord is not a fear that drives us away from Him, but a reverence that draws us into a life of holiness. When we remember His constant presence, we become more careful with our words, more gracious in our responses, and more eager to please Him.
The wonderful truth is that God’s presence is not only a warning against sin—it is also a comfort in suffering. The same eyes that see our failures also see our tears. The God who witnesses our disobedience is also the God who never leaves nor forsakes His children. Living consciously before His face changes everything.
Spend a few moments reading Psalm 139 slowly. As you do, underline every phrase that reminds you that God sees, knows, and is present with you. Let it encourage you to walk faithfully before Him throughout the day.
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Today, remind yourself often that you are living in the presence of God. Before you speak, ask, "Would I say this if I consciously remembered the Lord was standing beside me?" Before making a decision, ask, "Will this honor the One whose eyes are always upon me?" Living with an awareness of God's presence is one of the greatest safeguards against sin and one of the greatest comforts in life's trials.
"The fear of man bringeth a snare: But whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe." — Proverbs 29:25
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Join us as we read through the Bible in one year, growing together in God’s Word day by day. Click on any underlined verse to access Pastor Burns’ helpful study notes and deeper insights.
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This Week's Radio Program
Week Eighteen • May 3, 2026
Trusting God With Tomorrow (Pt. 3)
In this final part of the message, “Trusting God with Tomorrow,” we are brought face to face with a powerful truth from Scripture—while we often plan our days and assume the future, the Bible teaches us that life is fragile, uncertain, and completely in God’s hands. As James reminds us, our life is “even a vapour” that appears for a little time and then vanishes away . The issue is not planning, but planning without God—living as though we are in control of what only God knows.
This message walks through the heart of biblical trust: having a proper perspective of tomorrow, a humble posture before God today, and a surrendered plan that says, “If the Lord will.” Whether facing uncertainty, fear, or the illusion of control, we are called to draw near to God, rest in His care, and trust that His will is good, even when tomorrow is unknown. Because Christ has risen, our future is secure—not in our plans, but in His perfect hands.
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