*Psalm 139:1-24
Psalm 139 describes God’s omniscience and his intimate knowledge of each person.
- God’s Omniscience and Omnipresence:
- The psalmist begins by marveling at God’s intimate knowledge and awareness of him, acknowledging that God has searched him and known him thoroughly.
- He reflects on God’s omniscience, recognizing that God perceives his thoughts from afar and is acquainted with all his ways.
- God’s Protective Presence:
- The psalmist finds reassurance in God’s presence, acknowledging that there is nowhere he can flee from God’s Spirit or hide from His presence.
- He expresses wonder at God’s constant presence, whether he ascends to the heavens, makes his bed in Sheol, or travels to the farthest seas.
- Divine Formation and Purpose:
- The psalmist reflects on God’s creative power and involvement in his formation in his mother’s womb, acknowledging God’s intricate workmanship and design.
- He praises God for his fearfully and wonderfully made body and soul, recognizing God’s sovereign plan and purpose for his life.
- Desire for Righteousness and Deliverance:
- The psalmist appeals to God to search and know his heart, testing his thoughts and leading him in the way of everlasting righteousness.
- He expresses a desire for God to deliver him from wickedness and lead him in the path of life, away from the ways of falsehood and evil.
- Call for Reflection and Surrender:
- The psalmist concludes by inviting God to examine his heart and thoughts, asking Him to remove any offensive way and lead him in the way of everlasting life.
- He expresses willingness to surrender to God’s guidance and authority, trusting in His wisdom and righteousness.
Psalm 139:1-24 reminds us that God knows us completely and loves us deeply. He sees everything about us—our thoughts, struggles, and hopes—and He is always with us, no matter where we go. This teaches us that we don’t have to hide who we are from God because He understands us better than anyone. Instead of feeling alone or unworthy, we can trust that we are made by God for a purpose. We should ask Him to guide us, help us grow, and lead us in the right direction.
Psalm 139:1-24 (WEB)
For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.139:1 LORD, you have searched me,and you know me.2 You know my sitting down and my rising up.You perceive my thoughts from afar.3 You search out my path and my lying down,and are acquainted with all my ways.4 For there is not a word on my tongue,but behold, LORD, you know it altogether.5 You hem me in behind and before.You laid your hand on me.6 This knowledge is beyond me.It’s lofty.I can’t attain it.7 Where could I go from your Spirit?Or where could I flee from your presence?8 If I ascend up into heaven, you are there.If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, you are there!9 If I take the wings of the dawn,and settle in the uttermost parts of the sea,10 even there your hand will lead me,and your right hand will hold me.11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me.The light around me will be night,”12 even the darkness doesn’t hide from you,but the night shines as the day.The darkness is like light to you.13 For you formed my inmost being.You knit me together in my mother’s womb.14 I will give thanks to you,for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.Your works are wonderful.My soul knows that very well.15 My frame wasn’t hidden from you,when I was made in secret,woven together in the depths of the earth.16 Your eyes saw my body.In your book they were all written,the days that were ordained for me,when as yet there were none of them.17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God!How vast is their sum!18 If I would count them, they are more in number than the sand.When I wake up, I am still with you.19 If only you, God, would kill the wicked.Get away from me, you bloodthirsty men!20 For they speak against you wickedly.Your enemies take your name in vain.21 LORD, don’t I hate those who hate you?Am I not grieved with those who rise up against you?22 I hate them with perfect hatred.They have become my enemies.23 Search me, God, and know my heart.Try me, and know my thoughts.24 See if there is any wicked way in me,and lead me in the everlasting way.