Great is the Lord

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-6 (ESV)

¹  O Lord, you have searched me and known me!

  ²     You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

you discern my thoughts from afar.

  ³     You search out my path and my lying down

and are acquainted with all my ways.

  ⁴     Even before a word is on my tongue,

behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.

  ⁵     You hem me in, behind and before,

and lay your hand upon me.

  ⁶     Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

it is high; I cannot attain it.

 

Devotion:

 

Psalm 139:1-6 offers a profound reflection on the complete fullness of the knowledge and presence of God. These verses remind us that God knows us intimately, understanding our thoughts and actions even before they manifest. This knowledge is both comforting and humbling.

In verse 1, the Psalmist acknowledges God's profound knowledge, stating that God has searched and known him. This search is not a superficial glance but a deep, thorough understanding of who we are. When we feel misunderstood by others, we can take solace in the fact that God knows our true selves, providing a comforting sense of security and peace.

Verse 2 highlights God's awareness of our every movement and thought, even from afar. This verse illustrates that distance does not diminish God's ability to perceive us. Whether we are close to Him in our spiritual walk or seem distant, His perception is unerring, providing a reassurance that we are always under His watchful eye and can have confidence in His guidance.

In verses 3 and 4, the Psalmist speaks of God's familiarity with all our ways and His knowledge of our words before they are spoken. This suggests a level of intimacy that surpasses human understanding. God is not only aware of our actions but also of our intentions and motivations. This can remind us to align our actions and words with His will, knowing that nothing is hidden from Him.

Verse 5 portrays God as a protective presence, hemming us in behind and before, and laying His hand upon us. This imagery conveys both protection and guidance, emphasizing God's active role in our lives, providing a sense of safety and direction in our journey of faith.

Finally, in verse 6, the Psalmist expresses awe at the limitless nature of God's knowledge. It is a vast and profound knowledge that our finite minds cannot fully grasp. This verse calls us to a posture of humility and reverence, acknowledging that while we cannot comprehend God's ways, we can trust His infinite wisdom and love.

As we meditate on these verses, let us be reminded of God's intimate knowledge of us and His constant presence. May we find comfort in His understanding of us and be encouraged to live in a way that honors Him.

Prayer:

            Great are you, Lord, and worthy of our praise. Let everything that has breath praise you. Let us bring the offering of praise into the house of the Lord and rejoice in your infinite goodness and mercy. You, alone, genuinely know us and are the only reliable judge of our hearts. We completely trust our lives to you, and we are humbled by the knowledge that you care enough to save us from sin and death. Amen.