Lord, You Know Me

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-6 (NIV)

¹ You have searched me, Lord,

and you know me.

² You know when I sit and when I rise;

you perceive my thoughts from afar.

³ You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all my ways.

⁴ Before a word is on my tongue

you, Lord, know it completely.

⁵ You hem me in behind and before,

and you lay your hand upon me.

⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

too lofty for me to attain.

Devotion:

Psalm 139:1-5 offers a profound reflection on God's intimate knowledge and constant presence in our lives. The psalmist begins by acknowledging that God has searched and known us, emphasizing that nothing about us is hidden from Him. "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me" (v.1). This verse sets the tone for the entire passage, highlighting the depth of God's awareness of our innermost beings.

In verses 2 and 3, the psalmist marvels at God's understanding of our daily lives: "You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways." God is fully aware of our actions and thoughts, whether we are active or at rest. This knowledge is not just a superficial awareness but a profound comprehension of all our ways, indicating that God is interested in every detail of our lives.

Verse 4 reveals the extent of God's omniscience: "Before a word is on my tongue, you, Lord, know it completely." This statement reflects the truth that God knows our thoughts and words even before they are formed. Such knowledge can be both comforting and awe-inspiring. It reassures us that God understands us perfectly, yet it also humbles us to realize that nothing we say or think is beyond His perception.

In verse 5, the psalmist depicts God's protective and guiding presence: "You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me." This imagery of being hemmed in by God from all sides conveys a sense of security and care. God's hand upon us symbolizes His guidance and blessing, affirming that we are never alone.

Finally, in verse 6, the psalmist expresses his sense of wonder: "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain." The realization of God's omniscience and omnipresence is overwhelming and beyond human comprehension. Yet, it invites us to rest in the assurance of God's intimate and loving awareness of our lives.

Prayer of the Day:

               Lord, your knowledge of us is beyond our comprehension. Help us to live each day knowing that you are aware of all our actions and even our thoughts. Let us think and live in such a way that all the thoughts of our minds, words of our mouths, and works of our hands are pleasing to you. In Jesus' precious name. Amen.