For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. —Romans 1:20 (NLT)

I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night— but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.

—Psalm 139:7-12 (NLT)

1. I look backwards to the cross.

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. —Romans 5:6-8 (NLT)

2. I look upward into my Father’s loving face.

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. —Romans 8:15-16 (NIV)

3. I look inward to Jesus living inside me.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. —Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT)

4. I look around and ask the Holy Spirit to use me.

…give yourselves completely to God—every part of you—you want to be tools in the hands of God, to be used for his good purposes. —Romans 6:13 (TLB)

5. I look forward to my future in faith.

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. —Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

Discussion Questions:

1. What is one of your favorite songs about the cross? Why?

2. What is the importance of calling God “Abba” or “Daddy” according to Roman’s 8:15-16? How does doing this bring you closer to God?

3. When we look inward what does Psalm 139:23-24 say we are to specifically ask God to reveal to us? How does this make you feel?

4. Knowing that God completes everything he begins, how does this make you feel about uncertainties in your life? What part do you play in this?