Psalm 139

Psalm 139 can be either a comfort or a frightening threat. The fact that God can see everything we do, be everywhere we are, and know everything about us is an assurance of His omnipotence and omniscience. But is that a blessing or curse?

Here are some excerpts: O Lord, You have searched me and known me. 

You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.

You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.

For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether (verses 1-4).

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?

If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me (verses 7-10).

Do you see what I mean? It can be a scary thing to know God sees everything I do if I’m doing something wrong. But when I live to please my heavenly Father, I am thankful that He is with me. He’s watching over me all the time. I’m even thankful that He sees my sins and convicts me and draws me back to the right way. I might not want anyone else to know all my secrets, but I’m glad He does.

The Psalm concludes with this prayer: Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (verses 23-24).

I consider myself extremely blessed to have a Father who knows and cares about all that I do. He wants to lead me down the best paths. “He restores my soul” (Psalm 23:3).

He holds me firmly in His almighty hand. What more could I wish for? Are you basking in His presence and provision today?

“Psalm 139” from the album “Song of Love.”