Read
(A psalm by David for the music leader.)
The Lord Is Always Near
1You have looked deep
into my heart, Lord,
and you know all about me.
2You know when I am resting
or when I am working,
and from heaven
you discover my thoughts.
3You notice everything I do
and everywhere I go.
4Before I even speak a word,
you know what I will say,
5and with your powerful arm
you protect me
from every side.
6I can't understand all of this!
Such wonderful knowledge
is far above me.
7Where could I go to escape
from your Spirit
or from your sight?
8If I were to climb up
to the highest heavens,
you would be there.
If I were to dig down
to the world of the dead
you would also be there.
9Suppose I had wings
like the dawning day
and flew across the ocean.
10Even then your powerful arm
would guide and protect me.
11Or suppose I said, “I'll hide
in the dark until night comes
to cover me over.”
12But you see in the dark
because daylight and dark
are all the same to you.
13You are the one
who put me together
inside my mother's body,
14and I praise you because of
the wonderful way
you created me.
Everything you do is marvelous!
Of this I have no doubt.
15Nothing about me
is hidden from you!
I was secretly woven together
out of human sight,
16but with your own eyes you saw
my body being formed.
Even before I was born,
you had written in your book
everything about me.
17 Your thoughts are far beyond
my understanding,
much more than I
could ever imagine.
18I try to count your thoughts,
but they outnumber the grains
of sand on the beach.
And when I awake,
I will find you nearby.
19How I wish that you would kill
all cruel and heartless people
and protect me from them!
20They are always rebelling
and speaking evil of you.
21You know I hate anyone
who hates you, Lord,
and refuses to obey.
22They are my enemies too,
and I truly hate them.
23Look deep into my heart, God,
and find out everything
I am thinking.
24Don't let me follow evil ways,
but lead me in the way
that time has proven true.
Reflect
God sees me. Before I was born he saw my unformed body. And now, he sees even my unformed thoughts.
How awesome is that!!
One of the deepest desires of the human heart is to be known for who we are – not for who others think we are. And here we have the truth that God sees and knows us completely. What a gift that is.
For some people the idea that God knows everything – absolutely everything about them – even their thoughts before they think them – would feel intrusive. But for the psalmist who has absolute trust in the goodness of God, it feels like a protective cocoon. And, knowing his own heart, he can invite the search rather than trying to hide.
Adam and Eve tried to hide from God – attempting to cover their nakedness with fig leaves. Their lack of trust in God caused them to lose the intimate relationship they had with God, thus bringing separation and death.
In contrast, we hear David making the choice not to hide. He actually invites God to search even deeper – and then he trusts that God will use whatever he reveals to instruct him in a way that is life giving. Instead of losing an intimate relationship with God because of what will be revealed, he is opening himself to an even closer relationship.
There is really no point in trying to hide from God – there is nowhere that God cannot see me. But even more important than seeing me physically is the fact that God sees my heart and my thoughts – the total me.
David stands in amazement at the realization that he is fully known, saying, “It is beyond understanding – too wonderful for words – too lofty for me to attain,” and in humility and absolute trust he can say, “Search me, O God.“
Respond
Lord, it takes deep trust and true humility to invite you to search my heart – and then real courage to face the pain of what you might reveal. And yet, Lord, I want to embrace the gift of being fully known. And I long for your life giving instruction. Amen.
Lynn Smith
Lynn served Tyndale University College and Seminary in Toronto as Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Development where leadership development became the focus of her involvement with students. After retiring, she co-founded NextLEVEL Leadership, an International organization focused on encouraging Christian women to develop in their leadership roles in the marketplace, profession or ministry. Her passion for seeing others grow in their leadership confidence has inspired her to teach and mentor wherever God calls. Publications: Gender or Giftedness: a Challenge to rethink the basis for leadership within the Faith Community; Mentoring: Leaving a Legacy; Fred's Not Here - Living with Alzheimer Disease takes Courage