You Know Me. (139)

I feel like the Lord wants me to study Psalm 139. Even though I know it well, I believe the Lord wants to teach me-- and maybe some of you-- some of the truths found in this passage. I've decided to break it up and look at each verse very carefully.

vs 1: "O Lord, you have searched me and known me!" 

The fact that David says that God searched him indicates that time has been spent in getting to know David. When we search for something, that means we look in every little area in order to find it. It is looking for something specific, having confidence that it will turn up. This makes me think that when God looks at us, He looks at every part with the intention of finding something specific...that thing He has instilled in us. Purpose, calling, identity, confidence. It could be anything. But God knows that it is in us, even when we doubt it. Not only does He look us over, searching our entire being, He also knows us. This Hebrew word is "Yada," which is the term used when Scripture says that "Adam knew Eve." While it implies sexual union, it goes beyond that. It indicates an intimacy, and deep knowledge of one another. Something that cannot be shared with those outside of the union. So, when David says that God knew Him, he meant that there was a special connection between the two. God knew David so intimately and deeply that the human mind cannot comprehend. 

vs 2a: "You know when I sit down and when I rise up" 

Looking at the Hebrew meaning for "sit down," I found that it means "inhabited" or that there is no one dwelling there. What if that meant that the Spirit was not actively dwelling? Just a thought. Also, we can understand that it would suggest that one is remaining in the same place. So, when we remain stagnant and are unmoving, God still knows us. He even knows us when we are cold and dormant inside. Thinking of sports (weird for me), when a player sits out, he is unmoving and is not active in the game. Not a good place to be. When we "rise up"-- this means that we are "established, confirmed, fulfilled." Think of a goalie (I know, I know...sports for the second time!) He has to keep his feet firm on the ground, so he can be ready when the ball comes toward him. Yes, he'll have to jump or run to catch it, but he he feet remain firm on the ground as he prepares for what will come at him. In both times-- a stagnant state and an established state-- He knows us. 

vs 2b: "You discern my thoughts from afar." 

God has discernment, understanding, and insight into ALL of our thoughts-- the good and the bad. Yet, He still chooses YADA. He still wants to know us. The Hebrew also suggests that this discernment implies attentiveness, which shows us that He is constantly ready to act on our behalf when we need Him. At even just one thought, He is 'listening.' It's hard to believe that He could care enough to give us even the smallest of His thoughts, but He chooses to acknowledge our thoughts.