Scripture reading – Psalm 139
Psalm 139 is titled, “To the Chief Musician, A Psalm of David,” and in my opinion, is one of the most profound psalms. Some of the foundational doctrines of our faith are acknowledged here, including the revelation that God is Omniscient (Psalm 139:1-6), Omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-12), and He is humanity’s Originator, meaning our Creator (Psalm 139:13-16).
How important are those doctrines? They are essential, fundamental principles to the faith of all Bible believers. What we believe concerning God’s attributes will dictate the answer to critical life questions: “Who am I? Where did I come from? Why am I here? How should I live? Where am I going?” Within the heart of man, there is a longing for purpose and a desire to find answers to those questions.
In the 19th century, Charles Darwin, who rejected God as Creator, traveled the world seeking an alternative explanation for life and the physical universe. The result was a book he titled, “Origin of Species” (1859) and a proposition that the world and life are the result of evolution. Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, though rejected as impossible by many credible scientists, has continued to be taught as “science” in secular education institutions. Tragically, several generations of students have grown up under the influence of Darwinian evolution and failed to grasp it as an unsubstantiated theory that demands blind faith. Not one proof of a species evolving to a different species has ever been discovered (nor ever will)!
What does the Bible reveal in this matter of God and man?
God is Omniscient and knows all that is in man’s heart. (Psalm 139:1-6)
The LORD knows our fears, longings, thoughts, and desires (Psalm 139:21). There is nothing concealed from Him (Psalm 139:2). He knows our secrets, our ways, and every word we have ever uttered (Psalm 139:2b-4). He also savors the noble qualities of our life (Psalm 139:5-6).
God is Omnipresent. (Psalm 139:7-12)
He abides in every part of his creation, and there is no place where God is not present (Psalm 139:7-8).
Psalm 139:7-8 – “Whither shall I go [walk; come] from thy spirit [God’s Spirit]? or whither shall I flee [i.e., be put to flight] from thy presence [face; countenance]? 8 If I ascend up into heaven [i.e., the sky above; the stars and planets], thou art there: if I make my bed in hell [Sheol; grave; pit; place of the souls of the dead], behold, thou art there.”
Because He is omnipresent, we are never beyond the LORD’s protection, love, or mercies (Psalm 139:9-10). We can take flight, but we will never be beyond His grasp.
Psalm 139:9-10 – “If I take [depart; carried away on] the wings of the morning [dawn; first beams of morning light], and dwell [abide; remain; inhabit] in the uttermost parts [end; last] of the sea; 10 Even there [flight as fast as light or the depths of the sea] shall thy hand [power] lead [guide; bring] me, and thy right hand [i.e., considered to be the stronger side] shall hold [take hold; possess; handle; grasp] me.”
When the darkest hour of life is upon you, the light of the Lord is with you (Psalm 139:11-12).
Psalm 139:11-12 – “If I say [speak], Surely the darkness [i.e., misery] shall cover [bruise; break; overwhelm] me; even the night shall be light [day; light] about me. 12 Yea, the darkness [i.e., misery] hideth [obscures] not from thee; but the night shineth [shines; enlightens; gives light] as the day: the darkness [i.e., misery] and the light [luminous light] are both alike to thee.”
God is not only Omniscient and Omnipresent; He is also our Originator… Creator, Designer, Engineer, and Architect. (Psalm 139:13-16)
Psalm 139:13-16 reinforces one of the great “Right-to-Life” principles against abortion in the Scriptures. When we accept that God is the Creator (Genesis 1:27) and the Giver of life (Genesis 2:7), and man is created in His image (a spiritual, eternal being), we must believe human life is sacred. Abortion, like murder, is an unconscionable evil, a sin against God and humanity.
God has sovereignly determined our uniqueness. (Psalm 139:13)
Psalm 139:13 – For thou hast possessed [get; acquire] my reins [lit. kidneys; figuratively the mind; soul, the seat of my desire and affections]: thou hast covered [knit; weave] me in my mother’s womb [belly; bosom; body].
Every man, woman, boy, and girl is unique. You are one of a kind, and there is none other like you. Modern science has proven just how special you are. Did you know your ears are geometrically unique to you, as is your body odor (secreting a combination of 44 compounds)? Your fingerprints and fingernails are unique, with loops and swirls that form patterns that are distinctive to you. Even the pores of your nose form a pattern like none other!
God has impressed on man’s soul a consciousness of his Creator’s hand and design. (Psalm 139:14-15)
Psalm 139:14-15 – “I will praise [give thanks] thee; for I am fearfully [amazingly] and wonderfully made[distinguish; uniquely; set apart]: marvellous [wonderful; extraordinary; surpassing] are thy works [labor; i.e., needlework; deeds]; and that my soul [life; person; being] knoweth [perceives; observes] right well[exceedingly; greatly]. 15 My substance [strength; physical frame; bones and being] was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret [mother’s womb], and curiously wrought [woven as a tapestry] in the lowest parts of the earth [out of human sight].
Just think about it: from the moment you were conceived, your person and days were determined. (Psalm 139:16)
Psalm 139:16 – Thine eyes did see [perceive; look; behold] my substance [body; frame; bones], yet beingunperfect [embryo; unformed mass in mother’s womb]; and in thy book [letter; scroll] all my members were written [described; lit. – all the days of my life were ordained], which in continuance [day; time; continually] were fashioned [formed, as a potter; to mold], when as yet there was none [i.e., not the first] of them [before one day of my life was past].”
Closing thoughts –
You are God’s unique creation, and He knows you. He created you as a free-will agent, and like Charles Darwin, you have the privilege and responsibility of your choices. Be forewarned: The ability to choose brings with it the consequences of that choice.
Remember: “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)
Copyright © 2023 – Travis D. Smith
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