Joining the rash of reality television shows in the United States, Dating in the Dark hit the airwaves last summer. Each week, three guys and three girls got together for a week of dates—in a darkened room. They all made the rounds, talking and sharing meals as couples. But they never actually saw what one another looked like. At the end of the experiment, each of them picked the one they were most attracted to. Then, in a nerve-wracking encounter, they received glimpses of the other—discovering whether or not physical appearance ruined their attraction.
The whole enterprise preys on one of our most personal fears—if someone sees who we really are, they will want nothing to do with us.
This fear is why I find Psalm 139 to be so amazing. David tells me that there is absolutely nothing about me that God does not see. It’s out in the open, bright as the sun. No matter where I go, whether “I travel [or] rest at home,” God sees (Psalm 139:3). He knows my actions even before I think to do them (Psalm 139:2). My most private thoughts echo in God’s ears. God hears “what I am going to say even before I say it” (Psalm 139:4) There isn’t a single thing we can hide from God, no matter how hard we try.
Knowing this could make me fall down and cower before God. If God sees all my impure motives and my lustful thoughts and my shadowy desires, surely He finds me despicable. Surely God will push me aside with disgust. Stunningly, David says just the opposite. “How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!” (Psalm 139:17).
God’s kindness toward us flows with pure, undeserved generosity. We are free to come out of the dark because God already sees and knows us—and loves us anyway.
More:
God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8).
Next:
What are you attempting to hide from God? How would you find freedom by shining God’s loving light in your dark places?
maryanne_intia on June 29, 2010 at 1:25 am
Another reminder of how great God’s love for us, even though we are unaware of His presence and great power.
bethanyF on June 29, 2010 at 5:05 am
This devotional was very needed. I hope the Holy Spirit wil continue to work in my heart today even through this devotional. The past week has been horrible. My anxious thoughts are known by God and what a comfort this Psalm is. It is my favorite Psalm. Thank you Lord.
fieldlily on June 29, 2010 at 5:53 am
This is a great reminder and comfort, thank you.
Sometimes when I think of this Psalm, I think of a small child playing hide and seek with adult. They hide in obvious places (under a blanket or behind a curtain) thinking that if they can’t see the adult then they can’t be seen either. When we are sinning we can make ourselves believe that if we put good cover on it then God can’t see us or our thoughts. This Psalm reminds us that God is aware of everything about us because He loves us and wants what is best for us.
This also makes me feel wanted and loved when I am feeling otherwise from those around me. If God can love me, even though He knows every mean thought in my head or word on my lips, then it doesn’t matter what others think of me. He convicts me, disciplines me and forgives me when I confess and repent. It wonderful how God uses His word to instruct,inspire and comfort us.
Thanks again!
lindagma on June 29, 2010 at 6:34 am
What a comfort in an imperfect world that demands perfection of all of us. A simple reminder of where to put our trust… to keep looking to Him for our self-esteem… we ARE a child of the KING.
maryanneb47 on June 29, 2010 at 6:14 pm
The comment I have that God is allknowing about everything. When I was studying this I had a comment about this from another bible reminding me. The wonders of God’s total familiarity with each life. Thank You Lord for knowing me and making me aware of me. Amen.
winn collier on June 29, 2010 at 8:05 pm
this question of our identity – and who gets to tell us who we are and whether or not we are valued and loved hits the core, doesn’t it?