PSALM 139:1-10 – O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, 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.”
THEME OF THE DAY: LIVING IN HIS PRESENCE. Today’s Psalm is one of the most theological in the entire book of Psalms. It reveals three of the attributes of God theologians call “the omnis of God.” Take time soon and read the Psalm over and over identifying these attributes – omnipotence (all-powerful), omniscience (all-knowing), and omnipresence (always present everywhere). The latter two are revealed in the opening of the Psalm and will appear again. For our purpose, we want to focus on God being present all the time, everywhere, and what difference that should be making in our lives right now.
So, a quick question for us . . . “Do we believe God is present everywhere and all the time?” Of course, we do. We are Christians and believe the Bible. Not a hard question, and certainly not an uncomfortable one. How about this one? If I lived with you for the next week following you around in all you do, where you go, and by the way, I am invisible, you cannot see me, would I observe you living aware of the constant presence of God or would I be confused seeing a “part-time Christian”? And to make it more upfront and personal, my observations and thus conclusion would be based on what you watch on television, where you go on the internet, type of music you listen to, what is your language like in all conversations, how do you use your discretionary time, the books and magazines you read, the places you go for entertainment, and the circles of friends in your social activities.
Friends, theology is for living not just acquiring knowledge. The attributes of God are to be known AND to shape our lives beginning with the renewing of our mind. And the attribute of His always present presence is a strong deterrent against sin and a strong motivator to use time wisely (Ephesians 5:15-16). But there is more. Remember, the God who is always present is also the God of steadfast love. This is such a comfort when going through deep waters of trial and feelings betray us. It is the truth, the objective truth, that our God who is always present before us is also the God who always loves us.
Psalm 139 is a rich theological Psalm but also a heart-warming Psalm of devotion showing us the way theology is to be learned and applied. As for David the author? He is overwhelmed with gratitude and humility over who his God is to him. May we follow his example!
PRAYER: “Father, help me to live my life always aware of Your Presence, and to do so with mind and heart to always please You.”
QUOTE: “Living life before an audience of one, and the One being the Lord, is to be the mindset and pursuit of every child of God.”
In the affection of Christ Jesus,
Pastor Jim