Embracing God's Charted Path in Psalm 139

Psalm 139 is very dear to my heart, as it is the one God used to break through my stubborn resistance to God's call for me to serve in ministry. I had many excuses, and each one convinced me that I was not capable or prepared. Self-doubt consumed me, but God remained steadfast in God's belief in me. After years of struggling with my fears and shedding countless tears, God directed me to Psalm 139. It was a Psalm that I had never fully explored before, but it became a lifeline, assuring me that God knew me far better than I knew myself.

In the same way, God knows you intimately. Long before your existence began, God knew you in the deepest recesses of God's heart. God intricately wove you together, stitch by stitch, in the secrecy of your mother's womb. Picture it as God knitting a masterpiece – "knit one, purl two" – with every detail of your being carefully crafted by God's loving hands.

Even as a tiny baby, before your lips formed words like "Ma-ma" or "Da-da," God knew those words would grace your tongue. God had already ordained your journey, charting every step, every twist, and every turn. God's protective hand has been your constant companion, shielding you from harm and covering you throughout your life.

God knows your mind's inner workings and heart's deepest sentiments. God is privy to your every deed – the good, the not-so-good, and the secret ones. God understands what drives you, what brings you joy, what burdens you, and what keeps you awake at night. God knows your habits, your weaknesses, and your strengths. There is absolutely nothing you can hide from God, for God is omniscient – all-knowing.

But here's the remarkable truth: Despite knowing every facet of your existence, God chose you. Even before you chose God. God selected you as one of God's most treasured possessions. Regardless of whether the world has passed you by, overlooked you, or left you feeling abandoned, rest assured that God will never pass you over or forsake you. You are God's cherished creation.

Psalm 139:1 declares, "O Lord, You have searched me, and you know me." This means that God is intimately acquainted with you, and what's more, God loves you unconditionally, no matter what God discovers. So, my dear friends, embrace your identity as one of God's own. Consider yourself blessed, and accept the calling God has placed upon your life. What is God calling you to do in this season?

Just as God charted my path and led me out of doubt and fear, God will chart yours, too. Trust in God's unwavering love, and know that God's plan for you is perfect. God has known you from the very beginning and will be with you every step of the way.

May Psalm 139 serve as a reminder that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, and God's love for you is boundless.

Next Step: Write the words "Search me, God, and know my heart" on a Post-It® note. Place the note on the mirror you will look at tomorrow morning. When you get up, read the note and remember that God knows you and loves you.

Pray with me: God, we trust you're always with us. You knew us even before we were born. Thank you for never leaving us. That is a great comfort. Amen.

Written by Rev. Kay Dubuisson