This famous psalm has been referenced in more teachings than I could count, and more times than I care to think about. It’s popularity is up there with Psalm 23, making it one of the best-known psalms.
“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. 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! For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. 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!” (v1-4,7-8,13-14,17-18a,23-24)
This psalm of David describes the infinite characteristics of God (ever-present, all-knowing, all-powerful, eternal) and contrasts them against the extremely finite people made in God’s image. Despite being made so lovingly and intricately in God’s image, we still pale in comparison to God.
There isn’t a whole lot to be said about this psalm that hasn’t been said (and said better) by others who have spoken/written about it, so I’ll get straight to my takeaway. What impacted me the most is an increased appreciation for who God is, and who I am in comparison. It is a very humbling experience (or at least it should be) when we carefully review who we are, who God is, and who we are when we’re fully submitted to God.
Putting thought into who God has created/called us to be is important, and it’s something of which I have not done extensively in recent history. I’m sure most of us have pondered our purpose and calling in life at some point, but to do so on an ongoing basis is important. I’m in a period of rest right now, so I’m able to explore this a little bit. I’m looking forward to what God will reveal as next steps in my life. I suggest we all set aside a little time from the busyness of life to reflect on our current calling(s) from God, and see if He would make any changes. Let’s allow the Spirit to search our hearts, cleanse any unrighteousness, and lead us in the ways that are everlasting (v24 par).
Father God, our guide and light, we come before You now, aware of Your infinite characteristics. You have created us as (extremely) finite beings, that we may bring glory to You in whose image we are fashioned. Father please cleanse us of any unrighteousness, and teach us Your ways, so we may follow Your paths. Father please guide our words, thoughts and actions, so we may help build Your kingdom here on earth, which is the only eternal thing in which we can invest. Father please help us to hear Your voice, and obey Your calling, that we may truly exhibit the image of You our Father. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training