Psalm 139

Introduction

Mother's day and thinking about the Psalms just brought to my mind this incredible Psalm 139. As I read it over it is amazing how the Psalm gives us a glimpse of the creative process that goes on within a mother's womb. It is God using a willing person to accomplish his will. Think of all of the great people throughout history who God has knit together in their mother's womb - Abraham Lincoln - Albert Einstein - Joan of Ark and countless others. Think of the many Bible characters who were knit together in their mother's wombs. Think of how many billions of people have been created and specifically knit together just as God wanted them to be. It is no wonder that the Psalmist praises God and worships God throughout the Psalm. It is truly more than we can comprehend.  Apply the Psalm to yourself. Read it as an affirmation for yourself. You were knit together in your mother's womb. God knows you inside and out and you are wonderfully made. reading this Psalm over will give you a true sense of your value. We also see how God works out his plan through the normal processes of life. Truly everything is under His control and used for His purposes.

Some Background Information

Psalm 139's main focus is on God and His characteristics. A helpful division of the Psalm would be as follows:
   1-6: God is all seeing and knowing  (What is Known as Omniscient - Omni meaning all and scient - knowing)
   7-12: God is everywhere (Omnipresent - present all places)
   13-18: God is all powerful the creator (Omnipotent)
   19-24: God is Holy

A famous poem called the Hound of heaven is based on verses 7-12  - here is a link to the poem
 http://www.umilta.net/hound.html

Devotional Ideas

1. Consider memorizing all or a part of the Psalm. I did that a number of years ago and the words ministered to me deeply.
2. Read the Psalm several time each day for one week to fix it in your thoughts.
3. Use the Psalm as a prayer.
4. Have a time of examination of your heart - a good practice for a few minutes before you go to bed each night. Read verses 23 and 24 as a prayer and then review the main events of your day - thank God for what you are thankful for and confess and be forgiven for what you need forgiveness for. Ask for a restful night. Put tomorrow in His hands.

Final Thoughts

This Psalm like all of God's word is powerful. Spend some time with it this week reading it - praying it - thinking about it. Your heart will become as the Psalmist heart.