Bible Reading Blog
“He Knows”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: Psalm 139
“O LORD, you have searched me and known me!” (Psalm 139.1)
Is there anything God doesn’t know? Is there any place he couldn’t go? Are there any circumstances that take him off guard? If we believe God is Creator, the answer is “no.” He’s been there, he’s done that, he’s thought of everything. There is no circumstance or place that can elude him because he made it. You could be in the most secluded place in the world, in a secret hiding place no one knew about, and God would be aware. Not only that, but he would know what you were thinking and feeling.
To consider the level of God’s intimate knowledge in my life can be terrifying. As the old hymn writer said, “There’s an all-seeing eye watching you.” But it’s not intended to be a scare tactic. Instead, it ought to give us great comfort. His eyes were on us even before we were formed (Psalm 139.15-16a). His knowledge extends throughout our entire life into every single moment we exist (Psalm 139.16b). He was intimately involved in our conception and continues to be invested in our lives.
He is our Maker, and with that comes an inherent concern for us. Like a parent with their children, God is constantly aware and thoughtful of our well-being. He knows the challenges we will face. He knows what our desires will be. He knows the tough choices we have to make. But unlike a parent God knows EXACTLY what we need and has given us everything we NEED to make the best choices (2 Peter 1.3).
So, we must understand that God is not out to get us, as some people think. He didn’t give us his word simply to assert his dominance, but to communicate love. He knows full and well what we need. If his thoughts become our thoughts, and his ways become our ways, they take into account any challenge in our future. Ultimately, his word both restores and revitalizes our weary souls (Psalm 1.1-3; 23.3).
The psalm began with the reality of God’s awareness, and ends with a similar thought, but in the present tense. “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139.23-24). God’s power and presence are intended for our comfort and guidance; but we must acknowledge and submit to his nature. He will lead us if we humbly trust that he knows what’s best for us.
“When I told you of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes! Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.” (Psalm 119.26-27)
