Inescapable God

Psalm 139:1-6
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. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.

“The Inescapable God” is the title that the NRSV gives to this psalm.  The text attributes the psalm to David.  The verses go on to reveal that there simply is no escape from God.  At times, this is certainly comforting.  At other times, it may seem daunting - for admittedly, there are times that we wish God didn’t know so much about us.  Just as an example, it would seem that David would have preferred that God didn’t know about his relationship with Bathsheba, and then certainly not his plans to cover up the matter by sending Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband, to the front line of battle.  There were grave consequences for David’s actions.  (2 Samuel 11:1-27, 12:15b-23)

What impact would it have on our lives to meditate on this psalm every day - acknowledging that we are not the lords of our own lives, but rather, the God who created us and formed us has known us before we came into being; that this same God knows our thoughts - and even our words before we speak them?  Might we attempt to ponder and think more before speaking?  Might our actions or plans of action be evaluated in terms of being helpful or hurtful before the deeds are done?

So yes, there are times, perhaps, that we would prefer God wasn’t so close; and yet, the words of the psalm also bring us to a sense of comfort and security.  There is a freedom when resting in God’s presence, trusting that God is in control.  There is a sense of wonder that clarifies our role in the relationship - God is God and we are not.  “You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high, that I cannot attain it.”  (vs. 5-6)  May these words be a comfort to you today.

Prayer: Ever-present God, we turn to you for help and guidance.  Forgive us when we attempt to do things our own way without regard to your ways.  Help us to lean in to your ever-present help, so that we might continue to learn your ways and find our rest in you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.