Does sin separate us from God? Is there a line we can cross that even God can’t overcome? Can we delve so deep into darkness that even the light of God can’t penetrate it? Is there a moment that our sin becomes so grievous that the Author of Hope gives up hope? Does sin separate us from God?

Yesterday, my husband was watching the news. I try to avoid the news because it’s depressing. As I’m hearing the news in the background, I begin to mourn for America. We seem to have lost our way. But my husband quickly reminds me, “there is nothing new under the sun.”

This morning I awaken to this thought: when the world was deep in sin, when there was darkness all around, when people were demon oppressed, committing adultery, prostituting themselves, scamming each other, full of rules but no love for each other, when the world was in that state, far from God – God came down to live amongst us. When the world was dark, light came and penetrated the darkness. When the world was hopeless, Hope came. When the world was without mercy, Grace came.

Today, some may argue that America has indeed cross that line or at least is tap dancing on it. Some may suggest that we have gone so far into darkness that no light can penetrate. Some may say God has turned his back and given up on us as a nation.

But I am comforted by the words of King David this morning. “I can’t hide from the Almighty. If I go to the depths, He is there. If I run into the darkness, His light penetrates. I can’t run from His love. I can’t hide from His goodness. I can’t be separated from from my Father. He is here!” If He is in me, than He is in America. As long as He is in us there is Hope. There is light.

Does our sin separate us from God? No. His love is relentless. His pursuit of us is unending.

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. (Psalm 139:7-12 NIV)