When David penned Psalm 139 he describes in intimate detail how much God is acquainted with every aspect of him; down to the minutest detail. And as we read this amazing psalm, we like David, can only stand in awe at the great knowledge He has of man. As one reads the first eighteen verses we see God’s great omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence on display.
God’s omniscience
Omniscience connotes the idea that God is all-knowing. Imagine in our world of over seven billion people, God knows everything about everyone of us. In the first six verse of this magnificent psalm David understands that nothing inside of him can be hidden from God. Notice what David shares in (Psalm 139:3-4): “You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord,
You know it altogether.” Not only does David realize that God knows all his ways, but He also knows every word on his tongue and as (Psalm 139:2) shares: “…You understand my thought afar off.” God in essence is showing David that He even knows what he is thinking. What can be more intimate than God being present in our thoughts! Finally, David declares: “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.” (Psalm 139:6). After reading about God’s omniscience my only response is to stand in awe like David and just marvel in my Creator.
Omnipresence connotes the idea that God is present everywhere. Not only is God present at every part of our planet, but he is present alongside every atom in the universe! In addition, He exists simultaneously in the past, the present, and the future. No wonder David says: “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalm 139:7). David knew that God was always watching over him and that no matter where he traveled God would be his constant companion. I don’t know about you but this idea that God is always with me gives me great comfort to know that even when I feel all alone, God is right next to me. In fact, He lives inside of me. This lets me know that in reality I am never alone – what comfort to my soul!
God’s omnipotence
Omnipotence connotes the idea that God is all-powerful. (Psalm 139:13-18) is such an awesome portion of Scripture that I have printed this entire section below:
13 For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.
17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You.
This entire section shares God’s limitless power and participation in the development of human life before birth. Just how powerful is God? Re-read (verse 16) and notice that God sovereignly ordained David’s life before he was even conceived! Thus, God knew all about David from eternity past and is so powerful He can create from nothing! Not only that but He is superintending the development of each one of us while we are yet in our mother’s womb. No wonder David bursts out in praise in (verse 14) at God’s exquisite creation of human life – especially his own. If you ever had any doubts about the sanctity of all human life, even the life in the womb, this section of Scripture should let you see how precious all life is to God.
Throughout this entire psalm we see, over and over again, how David expresses his amazement at the infinite mind and power of God. I challenge you to read this entire psalm several times and allow our awesome God to leave you in a state of awe and wonder!
What a great, timely post, Mr. Curt!