Psalm 139 - 21 April 2009

Scientifically we can not only zoom out into the universe but we can zoom down into the microscopic and there we find an amazing world of detail and possibilities.  I am constantly amazed at the intricacies of how life works; this speaks to me of the particular attention of God.  The psalmist discovered this too; through his own life he became aware of God’s total knowledge of him, knowing him even better than he knew himself.

‘O Lord you have searched me and known me.

      You know when I sit and when I rise;

         you perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down;

      you are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue

      you know it completely, O Lord.

You hem me in – behind and before;

      you have laid your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me

      too lofty for me to attain’. Psalm 139: 1-8 [NIV]

How do you feel about these words?

I think I’ve had many different reactions to these words over the years;

Sometimes it’s seemed too intrusive, ‘big brother’-ish

at others it’s brought comfort and security

Sometimes I’ve been brought to confession,

at others to self acceptance

Sometimes I’ve seen God’s hand as wielding a big stick

At others it’s been a hand of grace, or healing, or comfort.

Whatever our reaction, it tells us something about our view of ourselves or of God.

Pray the words through slowly being honest with God about how they make you feel, then sit quietly before him for a few moments; just waiting on God.