O Lord, You have searched me
and known me!
~ Psalm 139:1
As we have completed (f0r now) the study of Psalm 8, we are transitioning to another of Sydney’s favorite Psalms. If you know me at all you may sense that the things that speak to Sydney, speak to me. Yes, Psalm 139 is one of my favorite Psalms, as it is for many. And it has inspired a multitude of creative ventures that I’m hoping to share with you if I can get my act together. But first, let me tell you a little story and some background into how this Psalm has impacted me.
I grew up in church, with a family and in particular a mom who was very instrumental in living the example of studying the Bible and praying. I was encouraged to pursue my own spiritual life at a very young age. And took part in all the activities that many children growing up in a Christian household did: Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, memorizing verses, going to church summer camp, retreats, etc.
In junior high, I was part of the Youth for Christ program, Teen Dimension. An afterschool Christian group. I won’t go into the details of their mission statement, but it is worth looking up. I loved it. I built new friendships and got to participate in many fun activities and trips/camps. On one particular weekend trip, I was forever changed by a simple request by my Teen Dimension leader, Gordon Hathaway (if any of you know him tell him thank you for me). We broke up into small groups at the end of the evening for a simple time of Bible study, and he asked me to read this portion of scripture.
I honestly hadn’t remembered reading the particular passage before, and the reading of it for what may have been my first time hit me between the eyes… you guessed it, he asked me to read Psalm 139. It all began so innocently. “O Lord, You have searched me…” as I continued reading further and further into this amazing explanation of the depths of intimacy and love God felt for me I began to lose it. At first, my voice caught, and I choked on the words. Trying to gain composure and continue was useless. The Holy Spirit was ministering to my hurting heart exactly where I hurt the most. I ended up running out of the room and completely broke down crying in the hallway, to Gordon’s distress. He came after me and asked if I was okay. I don’t even know what I said or what he said after that. But I was given time to recover and when I was ready I rejoined the group without much explanation. But I have no doubt something that seemed simple has grown exponentially over the years and continues to minister life and healing to me. See most of my writing, art and even songs I have written are a reflection of the impact of these words written by David so long ago.
Maybe you’ve had a similar experience when reading Psalm 139. I hope in the next few weeks to share what these verses mean to me and subsequently to Sydney. Since, let's face it, much of who she is is a reflection of my take on life. Until next week I encourage you to open your Bible and read through the whole Psalm and let the Holy Spirit minister to your heart whatever it is that you might need.
Take a moment to thank God that He knows you so intimately and loves you so devotedly.
Ps. I encourage you if you get the chance to see Matt Maher!
