Whether we realize it or not, every human being desires to be known. Scripture teaches we were created by God to be known by him. The Hebrew word for “known” is יָד֔וּעַ [yadua] and it can be translated as “intimate knowledge” or in easy terms God having a deep understanding of each member of his human family. God is Spirit and he ministers to our spirits [core of our being] (John 4:24). We cannot comprehend God with our natural minds, but our spirits in human flesh were wired with a compelling desire to share a relationship with the Lord. He is our Maker.
Sometimes we may have a fear of being known and we try to hide our true selves from what may feel like an invasion of our privacy and will. However, God pursues every person and seeks to reveal himself in hearts, in nature, and in the universe. God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and always presence; so, we cannot hide from him and believers should simply enjoy his loving presence in us! God with us [Immanuel]. Wow…such a miraculous gift and blessing!
In our passage today, David sings of the sovereignty of God—his unlimited authority over creation. Nothing can stop what God has purposed and planned, because he is above and beyond all the limitations of time and creation. Our Creator holds all things together and has ultimate control over events. Satan is the deceiver and destroyer and he works to thwart humanity’s understanding of God’s goodness (2 Cor 4:4). Remember, Satan has power in this world, but his power is not equal to God. So, believers take authority over Satan and pray for God’s will to manifest on earth as it is in heaven.
One may question why God allows certain horrible things to happen in this world; but, because we cannot comprehend the thoughts and ways of God to save us we are blind to the goodness for the whole of creation that motivates our Lord—he uses evil to bring about a greater revelation of grace, salvation, and godliness to humanity (Isa 55:8-9). There is always a contrast between righteousness [good] and unrighteousness [evil]. Sadly, humanity sees many things more clearly through the eyes of pain.
As we read our passage, today, rather than dissecting the teaching based on our quest for human knowledge, let’s allow this passage to bring comfort and reassurance to us that God knows and loves us. We must never forget from the beginning, human beings have been created to become God’s glorious temple (1 Cor 3:16). We are known completely by a perfect and pure God. All the days of our lives should be focused on knowing him in return and therefore trusting his plan for us. Are God’s thoughts about you precious in your sight?
Psalm 139:1-6 NLT A psalm of David.
1
O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
2
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
3
You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
4
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
5
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
6
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
13
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
15
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
17
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
18
I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!
Prayer: Father, thank you for making each of us wonderfully complex and unique. You offer us a personal relationship and a closeness we sometimes struggle to receive. And, you pursue us until we surrender to your authority, willingly obey your Word to our hearts, and grow spiritually so we can begin to see things the way you do. Beautifully, in our uniqueness, you have chosen to shine the light of your glory. Believers are your dwelling place and the Spirit raises us up in Christ’s righteousness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.