God with us - Week 21: Psalm 139:7-10
Do you ever talk to yourself?
If you’re trying to solve a problem or work through something tricky, do you talk through the stages out loud or even have a chat with yourself about possible solutions?
I do it all the time!
I do it so regularly that my family members say, “are you talking to me?” as they’re so used to me nattering to myself. I’m aware that it’s meant to be the first stage of needing “help” (that ship has sailed) but it’s my way of processing things. I need to talk it out, even if no one is listening.
If it’s not talking then it’s writing. I’m careful with what I share, you may notice there are rarely personal details, but I process out loud, through speech or the written word. It needs to happen regardless or whether anyone is reading or listening. It’s how God wired me.
That’s why I love David.
His psalms are filled with love and honesty and pain and doubt and fear and uncertainty and certainty and, most of all, intimacy with God. David pours out his thoughts and feelings to God and their closeness is tangible.
I love that.
It’s a reminder to keep coming to God, even when I’m not sure what to pray.
If ever there was a Psalm that summarised the theme of ‘God with us,’ then it’s Psalm 139. Throughout the Psalm, we are reminded of the closeness of God, and His presence in our lives is described in meticulous detail. Surrounded by enemies baying for his blood, David felt fear and anger creeping in. His response to the hostility was to write this Psalm. I imagine him using these words to “talk himself down,” and speak truth over the challenges he faced.
You know me, Lord.
You know what I’m thinking.
You created me just as I am.
You are here with me no matter where I go.
Through that intimacy, David also expresses his doubts and fears.
I don’t understand why you won’t step in and sort this.
I’m struggling with anger.
I’m filled with hatred.
And finally, David senses God’s presence, surrenders his thoughts, and asks for guidance.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)
There are times in life when God feels distant. Psalm 139 reminds us that this is a feeling, not a reality. Our Scripture for this week demonstrates that God is always with us, no matter where we are.
"7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast."
Psalm 139:7-10
God is the safe place we should go to sharing our thoughts and feelings. He knows us intimately, and whether it’s out loud, through the written word, through music, art, or silence, he longs to be with us, just like David.
If God feels distant, take a step back from the busyness of life, and make time to be with Him. Remember that wherever you go, God’s hand will guide you; His strength will empower you. (Psalm 139:10 TPT)
Our song for this week is one of my favourites and reflects the words of Psalm 139:10.
“He will hold me fast,
He will hold me fast,
For my Saviour loves me so,
He will hold me fast.”
Ada R. Habershon
Kay Moorby
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