Pause for thought...

...on Psalm 139

Sometimes we think God doesn’t know the secrets of our hearts or what goes on behind closed doors. Sometimes we question where He is when we need Him and don’t care where He is when we don’t. Society today would have us to believe that everything happened as a result of a “big bang” about 13.7 billion years ago, and that God doesn’t exist. Or if a god does exist, it’s OK to believe in what you want but don’t try to force others to follow your god. These illusions are all shattered when you read Psalm 139 and let its truths penetrate your mind.

We learn four main truths from this Psalm:

1.God knows everything yet knows each one of us personally (v1-3)
He knows everything we do, say and think before we do, say or think it! This should affect our walk with Him – we should aim not to sin at all, rather than to experiment with how far we can go into sin before we get hurt or hurt someone else. Also, it should affect our prayer life – be open and honest with God and don’t try to hide anything from Him.

2.God is everywhere (v7-12)
We shouldn’t try to run away from God like Jonah did, but run to Him. If we obey Him, He’ll be with us. His mighty hand will be upon us and He’ll guide us every step of the way as we walk in His ways. Even though you may be going through a dark valley, God will be with you and lead you through to climb the mountain again, if you’re trusting in Him. If you’re having a valley experience, I recommend you listen to a song called “Mountain of God” by a group called ‘Third Day’. In this song they sing: “I must go through the valley to stand upon the mountain of God.” This reminds us that these ‘valleys’ are sometimes necessary to experience the full life God has planned for us.

3.God made everything (v 13-15)
He made the heavens and the earth, and fashions and designs His creation to the most intricate detail. Each child is part of God’s handiwork, each new life is a miracle. This fallen world has marred His creation and turned it into something optional and disposable. God made you the way you are – the way you look and your personality. Be happy with how God made you; don’t complain about your “faults” – if you have a complaint about the product, take it to the manufacturer! Respect God’s creation and remember God made you so He knows what’s best for you.

4.God has plans for YOU (v 16-18)
God had plans for us even before we were born (v16) and He wants to guide us. We must grow closer to Him to understand His will for our lives and to discover His plans for us. Trust His leading, wait on Him and be patient – “He makes all things beautiful in His time.” God’s thinks about us, His thoughts are vast and immeasurable. Being a Christian shouldn’t mean that we have a narrow view of life, rather God will open our horizons and will do great things through us. Jesus came to give real life – life in all its fullness (John 10:10).

Knowing all these truths, what should you do?

As a Christian:
Surrender ALL to God. We often sing “Jesus, all for Jesus” but do we really mean it? Ask God to show you your sins so that you can repent and walk uprightly before Him. Ask Him to remove all from your life that’s holding you back from running the race for Him (see Hebrews 12:1). We must be willing to obey God before He’s willing to show us the way. Read and obey God’s Word and spend time with Him in prayer so you can know Him more. This isn’t an option but is vital for every day life – how is your Quiet Time??

Also, what is you attitude to the unsaved? David declares that God’s enemies are his enemies in this Psalm, and that he hates God’s enemies. Yet Jesus calls us to love our enemies (see Matt 5:44). Confused?? We should follow our Lord’s perfect example to love the unsaved yet hate their sin and not to be involved in it.

As a Non-Christian:
God made you, He loves you and knows you better than anyone else ever could. He loves you yet He hates the sin in your life. He gave His perfect Son to pay the debt for your sins, don’t reject Him. Turn to Him, He doesn’t promise it will be easy but He does promise never to leave or forsake you (see Hebrews 13:5). The Christian life is real life, life to the full, not because of what we do but because of what Jesus did. Don’t wait until you’re older to trust Him, He has great plans for you NOW! (Cathy McMath)

"Pause for thought" is a monthly devotional spot on our website where each time a young person from Youth Challenge will share some brief thoughts on a passage of Scripture.