” Oh Lord, you have searched me, and you know me. You know when I stand and when I rise, you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down, you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. You hem me in—- behind and before: you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” (Psalm 139: 1-8)
As thought provoking and complete as these words are, they are just a preamble to the entire Psalm. It speaks to all that God knows about you and me.
We don’t need to read the rest of the chapter and list all that God knows. However, I would encourage you to read it, in its entirety, and then realize how special and precious you are in God’s sight. God knows all about you and He still loves you! Yes, He knows “all” about you.
You and I don’t operate on this level. We judge, condemn and criticize the words and actions of others. and treat them in accordance. However, just as God loves us, we must love one another, pray for one another, forgive one another, be there for one another, struggle with one another and live as fruitful Christians with one another.
Take a moment now and do a quick inventory on who you “really ” are. I’m not going to list all the possibilities, because I know I would miss some. But here are just a few that come to my mind:
I am quick to judge and criticize others,
I am slow to forgive the offense of others,
I often fail to do what I promise to do,
I have thoughts that are not pleasing to God,
I am inclined often to take what is not mine,
I have often dishonored my parents.
If you relate to these thoughts and others, take heart all is not lost. God loves you and has a great plan for your life, and He will help you fulfill it. But the ball is in your court. You must take action. You must claim the promise of God; ” If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1;9)
Also, the words of King Solomon speak to this issue: ” Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Proverbs 20: 8- 13)
Make your to do list today and begin work immediately.
Determine in your heart to allow God to make the necessary changes!
o