Last October, the world rejoiced with the people of Chile as they celebrated the successful rescue of 33 miners who had been buried 700 meters (2,300 feet) underground. The miners, who had been trapped in a copper-gold mine for 69 days, were safely lifted out of its depths. In a letter sent to the surface prior to the rescue, 19-year-old miner Jimmy Sanchez wrote, “There are actually 34 of us, because God has never left us down here.”
Hemmed in by life’s pains and problems, David expressed a similar thought in Psalm 139. Convinced that God is all-knowing (Psalm 139:1-4), ever-present (Psalm 139:5-12), and all-powerful (Psalm 139:13-18), David’s spirit was bolstered by God’s loving care for him—something that began even before he was born (Psalm 139:13-16).
God is all-knowing (Psalm 139:1-4). David declared, “O Lord, You . . . know everything about me!” (Psalm 139:1). You know how I feel (Psalm 139:1), how I think (Psalm 139:2), what I do (Psalm 139:3), what I say (Psalm 139:4), and where I go (Psalm 139:5). God knows you completely and intimately.
God is ever-present (Psalm 139:5-12). David was sure that God has never left us down here. He wrote, “I can never get away from Your presence! If I go up to heaven, You are there; if I go down to the grave, You are there” (Psalm 139:7-8).
God is all-powerful (Psalm 139:13-18). Your human body is the masterpiece of the all-powerful Creator God (Psalm 139:13-15). God’s sovereignty and all-powerful care is guaranteed: “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” (Psalm 139:16).
How will you respond to God and His loving care for you? David affirmed his commitment to God (Psalm 139:19-22), and asked Him to “lead [him] along the path of everlasting life” (Psalm 139:23-24).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 26:57-75
More:
What does Psalm 103 say about God’s loving care for you?
Next:
How have you been hemmed in by life’s trials and troubles? Refresh yourself with knowing who God really is. He knows and He cares. Pray, “Even there Your hand will guide me, and Your strength will support me” (Psalm 139:10).
roxanne robbins on September 22, 2011 at 5:48 am
When I see young children dying in Uganda, I reflect on the verse you shared, Psalm 139:13-15. Knowing that God records every day of every person helps me recognize a child’s value. Even if a boy or girl dies young, and never contributes what the world deems as important, that child is infinitely valuable to the Lord and loved by Him.
eppistle on September 22, 2011 at 9:28 am
Thanks for commenting on one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. When I was young, my joy was based on what people thought of me. When I felt accepted, I was on an emotional high, but when I felt rejected I plunged into depression. It was an emotional roller coaster, but since I wasn’t well-accepted the low were lower than the highs high. But then in high school I understood the truth of Psalm 139 that though God knew my dark side, He not only accepted me but He loved me and had custom made me for His purpose. I base my joy now on the Lord’s infinite love for me (Ephesians 3:18) which is a firm foundation, not a roller coaster. From time to time, I let the people’s rejections steal my joy, but when my joy is the Lord rather than in public opinion polls, it is a safeguard that protects me from arrogance, ingratitude, idolatry and depression (Philippians 3:1).
By the way, God accepts me in spite of who I am, rather than because of who I am (Romans 5:6-11). I am accepted because by faith I have received the righteousness of Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:9).
GChoo on September 22, 2011 at 9:52 am
K.T., thanks for the scriptures to remind us that our God is omni-present, omni-science and omni-potent. We can only be grateful to know and worship our one true and living God. Hallelujah!
bearpair on September 22, 2011 at 2:23 pm
Superb analogy K.T. Thanksk for the uplifting & encouraging words!