Wednesday 22nd November
“You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.” (Psalm 139:1) (NIVUK)
Although David uses vivid poetic language throughout Psalm 139 to try to describe something of the all-encompassing power, presence, and knowledge of his God, the psalm is in itself profoundly simple and intimately personal. It is like he is walking in the garden (Eden) with his Creator, totally accepted, totally loved, and totally known.God has ‘searched’ and examined us. He ‘knows us’ physically (“even the very hairs on your head are numbered” Matt 10:30 NIVUK), but more profoundly, he ‘knows’ our innermost being (v. 13). He knows us totally and accurately, understanding every corner of our beings. Nothing about us is outside his knowledge.As a child, I fully believed that God knew my every thought and deed, but this understanding filled me with fear and dread. At that point in my life, I did not realise that God’s thorough knowledge of me could be something that was wonderful rather than terrifying. Instead of judgement, I can know that as his beloved child, I have his forgiveness and grace to be unafraid of being fully known by him. Three words – ‘you know me’ – may they be your prayer and encouragement today.
Karen Barklay
