Knowing the Person of God Through Psalm 139

Psalm 139 is a short but rich chapter. Rich because it is filled with David's awe at the extraordinary God. Its twenty-four verses describe God's person in such detail, showing that the writer knew the Lord whom he worshiped very well. Overall, Psalm 139 is a picture of the quality of David's intimate relationship with God.

Christianity always speaks about relationships, both with the Lord and with others. And one factor that helps a relationship remain healthy and close is good understanding from both sides.

Let us come to know three aspects of the Lord through Psalm 139 so that we can build a beautiful relationship with Him.

The Lord Who Knows Us So Well

Think of one of the closest people in your life. It could be your spouse, a sibling, or a friend. There are times when they do not need to say much, yet you understand what they mean. One word or a brief glance from them is enough for you to know what they want. Of course, this can happen because you know that person well.

“For before a word is on my tongue, behold, You know it altogether, O LORD.” – Psalm 139:4

For God, nothing is hidden. The Lord knows us because He is the One who created us (Psalm 139:13). He knows where we are and what we need, even before it is spoken. When we are unable to put words together in prayer, the Lord smiles and nods as a sign that He understands what is in our hearts.

What joy it is to know that God loves us and knows us so deeply. We can be confident, eager to live life and face the future because we believe the Lord knows everything we need. And He will prepare it all.

The Lord Who Is Patient with Us

In a relationship, there needs to be full acceptance of one another, both strengths and weaknesses. Usually we like only the strengths or the good things, but find it hard to accept the other person's flaws and failings. This is what makes a relationship disharmonious, cold, and eventually broken.

Yet, the Lord is a patient Person. He will not leave us, no matter what our heart's attitude toward Him may be.

“The Lord is not negligent in fulfilling His promise, though some consider it negligence, but He is patient toward you, because He desires that none should perish, but that all should turn and repent.” – 2 Peter 3:9

Remember again the times when we promised to faithfully follow the Lord and love Him. How often do we forget to give thank s to Him? Assume all blessings are only the result of our own hard work? Resist His will and think our plans are better? How often do we put the Lordsecond, while the Lord puts us first?

David wrote, “If I ascend to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in the realm of the dead, You are there too.” (Psalm 139:8). No matter how much we grieve His heart, the Lord still waits and hopes that we will return. He wants us to live in repentance so that we may be saved and, one day, dwell together with Him.

The Lord Who Teaches Us

Imagine if our friend or spouse only kept looking for our faults. Always seeing the negative side without helping to correct it. That would certainly make us stressed and uncomfortable being with them.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart, test me and know my thoughts; see whether there is any crooked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way!” – Psalm 139:23-24

In his prayer, David says “test me” and “lead me.” This means, the Lord is not One who only looks for faults, but also wants to make our lives right by guiding us. He is not only patient with our weaknesses, but also shows love so great that He teaches us to become more like Him.

Learn from David's humility, as he constantly examined whether his life was in accordance with the will of the Lord or not. We recognize our weaknesses not to accuse ourselves or belittle our existence, but so that we can improve ourselves.

Be thankful that we have the Lord who is all-knowing, patient, and teaches us. May reading and reflecting on Psalm 139 make us Christians who love God more. Amen.