Psalm 139 (NIV) – A hint for us to understand what God knows and what God causes.
“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, a God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand, when I awake, I am still with you. If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies. Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
How often do we attempt to keep things hidden from others? How common is it for us to tell exaggerated tales to establish our persona? How often do we try to mask our true thoughts and feelings from God and those closest to us? How often do we say “I love you” despite the insincerity behind those words? How often do we feel enraged when someone’s actions contradict our sense of right and wrong? How often do we proclaim to despise someone whom we’ve never had the chance to meet face-to-face? How frequently do we avoid getting to know our neighbors and choose to remain silent in our homes? How often do we attempt to isolate ourselves from others in the workplace because we’re afraid of being rejected or criticized? How often do we attribute our own mistakes to others?
Even when we try to conceal ourselves, God knows us thoroughly. Adam and Eve, like many others, shifted blame onto God and Satan after disobeying. God was aware of the events that took place. God knew what would occur because God is the creator of all things. We can choose because of God, but our decisions are frequently mistaken. God understands us completely and recognizes when our thoughts are not helpful. His love for us is unwavering, and His decision to become human as Jesus Christ and give His life on the cross for the sins of His creation is evident.
Isn’t it past time that each of us allowed God to search us, just as the psalmist did, and asked God to lead us in the way everlasting? If we believe and trust in Jesus, the Father will give us the Holy Spirit, who will guide us in the way everlasting.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
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