Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Psalm 139

“O Lord, you have searched me, and you know me.”

A few items came across my desk, so to speak, this past week. Two of which I would like to look at. The first was on the internet, via facebook. The newsfeed said “How well do you know _______?” then listed various people’s names. I took a quiz or two and found that some people I knew better than others, and some, well, I really didn’t know well at all. Some friends I have known for years and barely know, others I have only recently met and know tons about. Family is the same way, some you know better than others. What about yourself? How well do others know you? Most importantly how well do you know you? I bet you are thinking that you know more about yourself than anyone else. I’m sorry but that most certainly is NOT the case. I’ll explain a bit later.

The other item was a book given to me at confirmation, which I unfortunately forgot I ever received. The book is entitled “Friends” and is written by a Christian singer, Michael Smith. The book talks about some of his good and bad times in life, and gives many Scriptural references throughout filling most of its pages. Seeing as I had forgotten about the book and really didn’t know that I had it, I began reading. In the first few minutes of reading Psalm 139 came about and according to Smith this particular Psalm is a great handful of verses to memorize if that is something you are striving to do. In his book he speaks of friends and relationships in general. As the book continues to unfold he talks about Colossians 1 and its vivid picture of Christ. I encourage you to check these verses out. But then he talks about his “Friends” tour and speaks of Psalm 139. When he quoted it he said that at times, you could hear pins drop. After going through and reading the Psalm a few times I can really see why.

The Psalm begins, “O LORD, you have searched me, and you know me.” Wow. It only gets better though. Let me show you how well Christ knows you. Verse 2 says that He knows when you sit, and stand. He also knows your thoughts far in advance. Verse 3 He knows when you go out, and when you lay down. Christ is familiar with all your ways. The list goes on and on. He knows when you will say things before you say them. In verse 6 the psalmist actually admits that the amount of knowledge that Christ has for us is too lofty to attain. There is absolutely no way that we can hide from God. In fact, it is His eyes that are leading us in life. Are you looking to Him for guidance and direction in all of your decisions?

Take a look at verses 9 and 10. No matter where you go, Christ will continue to hold fast to you. When you are in your highest of highs and your lowest of lows Christ is always there. Friends and family come and go. Sometimes when times get tough you feel alone, I tell you, you’re not. Someone who knows you better and listens to your every word is always there for you. It is someone who knew you before you were even born, who formed you in your mothers womb. So when you feel alone, sad, depressed, frustrated, happy, jubilant, who is it that you go to talk to? Do you go to your best friend, your brother or sister, your mom, dad, friend or other family member? I pray that each and every one of us can look to these people, but more importantly be in constant conversation with God. He knows you best; He knows your ways, your thoughts, and what you will say. Let Him guide you in all your ways.

So back to those things that came across my desk. The book has been beneficial and has helped me to get into the Word even more so, and focus more on my relationships with people here on Earth. And the quizzes online, well it has reminded me that no one knows me better than Christ. So even though I may not know everything about some of my friends, how about I do make one thing perfectly clear with them all, and that is my Savior knows me best, and I strive to know Him better every day. I hope that each and every one of us can look to Christ more for guidance, especially in our relationships, that we may build them upon His firm foundation.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

This was really thought provoking. It is at one time both comforting and scary to think about how well God knows us. Scary, because he knows all of our faults and bad decisions, but comforting because he is there for us and forgives us.

Just wanted to say I've really enjoyed all of your blogs. I'm going to go read Psalm 139 now.


-Colten

Andrea said...

I agree with Colten. Also, I like the approach you took in the intro. It really got me thinking about some of my relationships. Often times, friends forget half the stuff I tell them about myself and the some things they do remember I would have rather have them forget. That's why it's kind of cool and scary to think that God cares enough to remember everything about me. Besides, maybe it's okay that he knows my deep dark secrets. That way He can use them to remind me to avoid those same mistakes and shape me into who He wants me to be. Even though He knows every flaw I have, He still loves me. I can't even claim to be that great of a friend.

Dan said...

Great insights from both of you. I agree Colten, it is scary just as much as it is comforting that God knows us as well as He does. Really reminds me of a passage in the book of Romans, where it speaks of God demonstrating His love for us. Continuing to say that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. Thats what makes it comforting, to me at least, that even though we don't deserve heaven because of our sinful nature Christ still died for us so that we can receive heaven by grace through faith, and it makes me want to be closer to Him and bring others closer as well. (I'm sure Joe will have stories about this as well when he returns).
Andrea I agree with you also. Its crazy how sometimes even when you think people are listening to you, they really arent, and when you dont want them to, they do. Thats another great thing about God. He is on the line, so to speak, all the time. Any time we wish we can tell God anything we want to, and the best part, He keeps it a secret. He is the best listener there is, in my opinion, and I strive to talk to Him more everyday.

Thanks again for the great insights, its encouraging to hear that the posts Joe and I write are provoking some thoughts.

in Christ!
dan