Is the concept of an all-knowing God intimidating or comforting?
Sadly, some have used it to intimidate or control, but the author of Psalm 139 finds
great comfort in the idea that God has been and always will be with him, from
conception through death. The implication of this presence is that God cares
for each of us. As God’s carefully wrought creations, “fearfully and
wonderfully made,” (v. 14) we are each of us the most precious works of art in
the world. Artists frequently compare their own creations to children; how
could we be less to God? Good parents are not judgmental or threatening, not
waiting to strike down children who make mistakes. Good parents guide and
challenge their children to be their best selves. Jesus assures us God is like
a good parent, when he says things like no father, when his child asks for a
fish, would hand him a snake (Matt 7:10, Luke 11:11).
Psalm 139 provides beautiful images of the relationship God
intends to have with us: guide, artist, parent, creator. Jesus used similar
metaphors to describe our relationship to God so we might explore the
unknowable yet loving nature of God. God’s thoughts are beyond the comprehension
of the psalmist and of us, yet God still offers an intimate relationship
whether we are living in the light or the darkness.
If we stay aware of God’s presence in our lives, even when
we don’t necessarily “feel” it, we are better able to rise to the opportunity
of being our best selves. While we don’t want to reduce God to the role of
supportive buddy or life coach, we can consider God’s presence as we devise
plans, make decisions and take actions. Taking time to reflect on how God might
view our actions before we act can help us transcend our fleeting impulses and
feelings. Such reflection might trigger our conscience, or even guilt, but
these can be signposts pointing us to a better – if sometimes more difficult –
path. Exercising self-control is not the same as being shamed by someone else.
God’s presence is not a fist knocking us down, but a hand lifting us up. Let's grab it and be the wonderful creations God intended.
Evening readings: Psalms 117; 139
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