Somewhere in the writings of esteemed Biblical scholar, J.I. Packer, there is a reference to Puritan theology as theology that is “older, better, wiser and of a more practical sort.” His statement applies to Puritan theology, but it applies even more to Psalm 139 – its theology is “older, better, wiser, more practical.” It is theology that is of the very best sort – it touches the heart.
As we continue our devotions through the Season of Lent, let’s pause this week with the first and last verses of Psalm 139 – another of the Psalms of King David.
Scripture
NEW ENGLISH TRANSLATION (NET)
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV)
EASY TO READ VERSION (ERV)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS
O Lord, you examine me and know me.
2 You know when I sit down and when I get up;
even from far away you understand my motives.
3 You carefully observe me when I travel or when I lie down to rest;
you are aware of everything I do.
4 Certainly my tongue does not frame a word
without you, O Lord, being thoroughly aware of it.
5 You squeeze me in from behind and in front;
you place your hand on me.
6 Your knowledge is beyond my comprehension;
it is so far beyond me, I am unable to fathom it.
You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
Lord, you have tested me,
so you know all about me.
2 You know when I sit down and when I get up.
You know my thoughts from far away.
3 You know where I go and where I lie down.
You know everything I do.
4 Lord, you know what I want to say,
even before the words leave my mouth.
5 You are all around me—in front of me and behind me.
I feel your hand on my shoulder.
6 I am amazed at what you know;
it is too much for me to understand.
NASB Psalm 139:1-6 NASB
NCV Psalm 139:1-6 NCV
ESV Psalm 139:1-6 ESV
MSG Psalm 139:1-6 MESSAGE
KJV Psalm 139:1-6 KJV
NKJV Psalm 139:1-6 NKJV
GW Psalm 139:1-6 GODSWORD
HCSB Psalm 139:1-6 HCSB
NLT Psalm 139:1-6 NLT
LEB Psalm 139:1-6 LEB
Additional Scripture
Examine me, O God, and probe my thoughts.
Test me, and know my concerns.
24 See if there is any idolatrous way in me,
and lead me in the everlasting way.
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
God, examine me and know my mind.
Test me and know all my worries.
24 Make sure that I am not going the wrong way.
Lead me on the path that has always been right.
NASB Psalm 139:23-24 NASB
NCV Psalm 139:23-24 NCV
ESV Psalm 139:23-24 ESV
MSG Psalm 139:23-24 MESSAGE
KJV Psalm 139:23-24 KJV
NKJV Psalm 139:23-24 NKJV
GW Psalm 139:23-24 GODSWORD
HCSB Psalm 139:23-24 HCSB
NLT Psalm 139:23-24 NLT
LEB Psalm 139:23-24 LEB
As we talk about understanding the depth of our own sin, we are quickly reminded of how difficult it is to objectively look at our sin. We tend to overlook our sins. Sins are easy to rationalize. Sin can even be defined away. We need help as we look at the heart.
It is human nature: we find it easier to focus on the flaws of others in order to avoid honestly dealing with our own sin.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus asks a pointed question of His followers: “Why do you notice the small piece of dust that is in your friend’s eye, but you don’t notice the big piece of wood that is in your own? 4 Why do you say to your friend, ‘Let me take that piece of dust out of your eye’? Look at yourself first! You still have that big piece of wood in your own eye. 5 You are a hypocrite! First, take the wood out of your own eye. Then you will see clearly to get the dust out of your friend’s eye” (Matthew 6:3-5 ERV).
God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today.
Have you used one to say ‘thank you?’
William Arthur Ward
There is nothing abstract about Jesus’ words. The disciple must thoroughly and systematically examine his heart to eliminate sin.
Affairs of the Heart
H.C. Leupold, the Lutheran scholar, observes that Psalm 139 “is not formulated in theological abstractions but in terms of personal religious experience. The personal theology of this psalm is the very essence of worship. While the psalm touches the depth of theology – the omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence of God – its practical nature moves us as we prepare our hearts for Easter.
First, David wants to separate himself from all who deliberately practice sin. Second, he wants God to search him thoroughly to discover and purge anything that might be offensive. Is there anything more practical?
Isn’t it interesting that a psalm that begins with a potent declaration that God knows all things ends with the request for God to search and know the psalmist? Can you make the same prayer?
“Search me, O God, and know my heart,” is a serious thing to pray. The request invites an examination that could be painful, and certainly would be exposing. Here is what the search of an all-knowing God should do for every Christian.
First, such an examination should humble us. Think of the story of Job. Confused and troubled by the calamities that have beset him, Job struggles understanding the purposes and ways of God. When God finally addresses the circumstances, Job is completely humbled and responds to God:
“Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. Therefore, I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:3,6 NIV).
Heart Comfort and Encouragement
Second, an examination should comfort us. God knows the very worst about us, and loves us anyway. Job explains, “He knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold (Job 23:10).
Finally, God searching us should encourage us to pray more often. Jesus told followers to pray to God confidently, expecting answers. God’s knowledge of what we need is so perfect that He often answers before we ask.
Is your heart open to God’s search?