You Are A Child Of God

– Ponderings:

Ps. 139 beautifully describes the relationship between God and each of us, at least from God’s perspective.

O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
O Lord, you know it completely.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is so high that I cannot attain it.
Where can I go from your spirit?
Or where can I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there;
if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.
If I take the wings of the morning
and settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and night wraps itself around me,”
even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is as bright as the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
For it was you who formed my inward parts;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works…

What a wonderful affirmation of how God sees, thinks, and cares for us. David acknowledges that God knows every detail about him — not just the big moments, but even the smallest actions, thoughts, and words. God’s presence is inescapable, whether David is in the highest heights or the deepest depths. The God that David knows isn’t distant or detached but deeply invested in his life.

The idea that no corner of our lives escapes God’s gaze may feel intimidating. Yet, this truth is also a profound comfort. Even in our imperfections, we are fully known and completely loved by the God who created us. No matter where we are, physically or emotionally, God is with us — guiding, protecting, and holding us fast.

This psalm also touches on the sacredness of human life through the imagery of God knitting us together in the womb. We are not accidents or afterthoughts. Each one of us is fearfully (awesomely) and wonderfully made. Our value is not based on what we do but on the God who made us.

Who are you? How would you answer that question? There are so many ways we might answer. We might say with our name. “I am _________.” Or we might answer with a relationship or career. Parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle. Lawyer, doctor, schoolteacher, plumber, nurse … retired. I’m sure you can think of even more ways to answer the question. It’s not easy to answer and some days my answer might be, “I’m not sure.” There are even other days when I’m not happy with myself and I would like to pretend to be somebody else; to recreate myself in a way.

That’s where God and Ps 139 come in. God knows you completely. You don’t need to hide anything from Him. Instead, you can be honest about who you are, knowing he loves you just as you are. God is with you even in moments of joy or deep despair. You are never alone and God’s presence can bring peace even in the darkest times. You are wonderfully made. Embrace your uniqueness as God’s creation and celebrate who you are.

You are a child of God!

Prayer: God, thank you for knowing me so deeply and loving me so completely. Help me to accept myself and rest in the truth that I am wonderfully made. Guide me through this day, reminding me that you are with me no matter where I go or what I face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.