Psalm 139
Psalm 139 invites us into a profound exploration of the intimate relationship we share with our Creator. In its verses, we encounter the comforting truth that God knows us intimately, from the depths of our thoughts to the intricacies of our being. The psalmist marvels at the inescapable presence of God, acknowledging that no corner of existence is hidden from His Divine gaze. This realization is not one of fear, but of profound comfort, as it underscores the depth of God’s love and understanding. It is an invitation to embrace vulnerability, trusting that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, known completely and cherished unconditionally by the One who knit us together in the secret place. As we read Psalm 139, we find solace in the assurance that God’s knowledge of us is not just observational but is accompanied by a boundless and unfailing love that guides us along the everlasting way.
Psalm 139
For the music director. A Psalm of David.
1 Lord, You have searched me and known me.
2 You know when I sit down and when I get up;
You understand my thought from far away.
3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, Lord, You know it all.
5 You have encircled me behind and in front,
And placed Your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot comprehend it.
7 Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.
9 If I take up the wings of the dawn,
If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,
10 Even there Your hand will lead me,
And Your right hand will take hold of me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me,
And the light around me will be night,”
12 Even darkness is not dark to You,
And the night is as bright as the day.
Darkness and light are alike to You.
13 For You created my innermost parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will give thanks to You, because I am awesomely and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully formed in the depths of the earth;
16 Your eyes have seen my formless substance;
And in Your book were written
All the days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
17 How precious also are Your thoughts for me, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You.
19 If only You would put the wicked to death, God;
Leave me, you men of bloodshed.
20 For they speak against You wickedly,
And Your enemies take Your name in vain.
21 Do I not hate those who hate You, Lord?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?
22 I hate them with the utmost hatred;
They have become my enemies.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
Put me to the test and know my anxious thoughts;
24 And see if there is any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.
Scripture quotation taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
A Psalm 139 Prayer
Eternal and Sovereign Creator,
You are the God who knows us intimately,
Before the dawn of time, You formed our inmost being.
In the secret place, You knit us together,
A masterpiece of Your divine craftsmanship.
You know the depths of our hearts,
Every thought, every longing, every fear,
There is no hiding from Your gaze,
For You see us as we truly are.
In the light of Your presence, we stand,
Exposed and vulnerable yet embraced by Your love.
You encompass us, behind and before,
Your hand guides us with unwavering assurance.
Lord, You know the path we tread,
You are acquainted with every step we take.
Your wisdom surpasses our understanding,
In Your knowledge, we find refuge and peace.
Search us, O God, and know our hearts,
Test us and know our anxious thoughts.
Lead us in the way everlasting,
Guide us along the paths of righteousness.
May our lives be a living testament,
To the marvelous works of Your hands.
In the sanctuary of Your grace, we find solace,
For You are the Shepherd who watches over us.
As we gather in Your holy presence,
May our worship be a fragrant offering,
A symphony of gratitude and praise,
Lifting our voices to declare Your majesty.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
We offer this prayer, trusting in Your unfailing love.
Amen.
