Coram Deo

I was 13 yrs old and helping to assist in my church’s Children's Church class one Sunday morning when the teacher asked the children to pray with her. She asked for children to bow their heads and then to raise their hand to show sign if they would like to receive Jesus as their Savior. She began to pray and was suddenly interrupted as one girl blurted out as all the heads were bowed and eyes closed (her eyes were not so closed), “How could Jesus move into that girl’s heart over there with her hand raised and into that boy across the room at the same time?” Another girl in the class without hesitation spoke out clearly, “That’s easy. Jesus stretches.” 

This young Theologian got it right.  

For years more studied, educated and older theologians have used the term coram deo. Coram deo is a Latin phrase meaning “before the face of God” or “in the presence of God.” The literal translation emphasizes that God is always present, watching, and involved in our lives. Amazing that the creator of the universe is watching and intimately involved in each one of our stories. He has the capacity to be engaged everywhere at all times because he is spirit and without limit.  He truly does stretch, but doesn’t suffer from weakness or lack.  

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. Hebrews 4:13 

This understanding is sobering, as it should be, for he knows my comings and goings, deeds, words and intent. So this awareness should affect the way you and I act, do business, treat our spouse, file our taxes and raise our kids, and so forth. My desire then is to please him and to bring him praise and honor, denying myself and choosing what’s best for him and others. Another reality of coram deo is that he is always present, so he knows your need, your concern, your pain and struggle. He is aware of the stress and anxiety you may be feeling. He is not afar off or aloof, but is a very present help in your time of trouble, or need. He knows you, loves you and is involved. So walk with respect before him, honor his name and know that he is able to stretch and bring fresh grace and mercy to those who call upon him.