Thoughts for the Day

The Inescapable God. King David.

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 far away.
You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
O Lord, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is so high that I cannot attain it.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Today and tomorrow I want to talk about the times we cry to the Lord for help.

Psalm 139 is one of my absolute favourite psalms, though some find it scary, especially children. The first six verses talk about God's omniscience, that is, God knows everything, He has perfect knowledge of the past, the present, and the future. Nothing is hidden from Him, and nothing ever surprises Him. In the Bible, God’s perfect knowledge brings comfort to His people. He knows their needs, understands their hearts, and faithfully guides them, sustaining His people with wisdom and love.

King David gives us a beautifully descriptive picture of how God knows him. He says to God "You know when I sit down and when I rise up"; "You discern my thoughts from far away"; and "Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely". The Bible teaches us that God’s omniscience is not meant to create fear for those who trust Him, after all we have free will, though this might and does cause us problems. Instead, it offers peace because the God who knows everything also loves His people.

Although God knows everything, He invites believers to pray (“to cry to Him”), when we or others need help. Prayer strengthens our relationship with God as we put our trust in Him. There is also a comfort in that although He knows our failures and our weaknesses, yet He still continues to offer us His forgiveness and His guidance when we seek Him.

Omniscient God,
You have been with me all my life and
You know all my faults and weaknesses.
Guide me to make the right choices
and the best decisions,
as befits one of Your children,.
May I learn to place all my trust in You
when life is difficult,
both now and in the future.
Amen.