In this daily devotional, we’ll delve into Psalms 139-144, which draw us close to the truth of our creation and purpose in God. Psalm 139, one of the most profound chapters in Scripture, reveals the intimacy with which God knows us, having crafted us in the womb with love and intention. But for what purpose? As we read these psalms, let’s open our hearts to God’s searchlight and let Him lead us in His ways. To discover why God honors His Word above His name, read the daily devotional on Psalms 132-138.
Psalms 139-144 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
Today is our second to the last day in our thirty-day journey through the Book of Psalms. This is day twenty-nine, and we will look at Psalms 139-144, six psalms. We are formed by God in the womb. For what? Do you know why He formed you and gave you life? Please read or listen to Psalms 139-144.
What Is the Big Idea of Psalm 139?
Psalm 139 is one of the most amazing chapters in all of scripture. It begins with, “O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up” (vv. 1-2). Yes, God knows us, and this psalm tells us how and why:
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.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them (vv. 13-16).
What Is the Meaning of Psalm 139:7?
God knows us because He made us. Verse 7 reminds us we cannot escape His presence in our lives, “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” Know this, God loves you, He created you, He formed you in your mother’s womb, and He will never let you out of His sight.
Can a Person Hide from God?
Psalm 139:2-3 say, “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.” He knows you. You cannot hide from God. You cannot hide physically from God, and you cannot hide spiritually from God. If you have been running from God, stop. Do what this psalm tells us to do. This psalm invites God to search us. Psalm 139:23-24 say, “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!”
Where in the Bible Does It Say God Made Us?
Psalm 139:13-16, quoted above, remind us God alone is in the baby business. He forms us, He knits us together in the womb in secret. He determines our birthday and our death day, “In your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them” (v. 16). No drug, surgery, or fountain of youth can stretch life beyond His pre-determined measuring stick.
What Does The Dash Mean in Life?
It is our privilege, or joy, our obligation to live the “dash” between birth and death to the fullest in Christ. I became a Christian at the tender age of fifteen. It is fifty years later. I can say I have lived life to the fullest in Christ. I had no idea what the journey would be, but it has been an amazing ride thus far:
- happily married nearly 50 years
- the gift of three children and five grandchildren
- a wonderful career in politics, business, and ministry
- over forty years of volunteer ministry in The Gideons International, with the distinct honor to serve as International President
- seen the world, over sixty-five countries
- debt free, house mortgage paid off
- great churches where we grew in the Lord
- wonderful Christian friends through the whole journey
- a grateful, thankful heart for blessings too numerous to count
What Does It Take to Finish Strong?
Psalm 144:4 reminds us, “Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.” I am in the fourth quarter of life (so I think, with no idea I will live for another stroke on this keyboard). My days are a passing shadow. We are semi-retirement (whatever that means). My prayer is to finish strong in the Lord. Many start well, few finish well, either in scripture or in life.
The dash is not over yet for you or me. Let’s live the dash of life to the fullest in Christ who fashioned us in the womb for a reason. Regardless of what quarter of life you are in, “Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul” (143:8).
Prayer
Yes, Lord, search us. Search our hearts. Search our ways. See if there is any evil or wickedness in us and lead us in the way everlasting. I cannot hide anything from You anyway, Lord, so search me and know my ways. And if You are disappointed in me, heal me, Lord. Forgive me and lead me in the way everlasting.
Thank You for making me. Thank You for forming me. Thank You for reminding me that I cannot escape Your presence. Thank You for forgiving me and putting me back on the path toward everlasting life with You.
Thank You for life. Be the light unto my path and the lamp unto my feet from beginning to end. I give You praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
