#psalm 139

[i-n-t-e-g-r-a]

"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?  If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you."

-Palm 139 NIV

[fierysword]

1 O God, You search me and know me inside out. 2 You know my comings and goings. You understand my thoughts completely. 3 You examine my ways, whether waking or sleeping, and are familiar with the habits of my being. 4 Before I speak a word, You already know it. 5 You are all around me, behind me and before me. You lay Your loving hand on me, choosing me in love. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me to comprehend. It is utterly beyond me.

7 Where could I go to escape Your Spirit? Where could I flee from Your presence? 8 Were I to go to the highest heavens, I would find You there. Were I to descend into the depths of hell, even there I would find You!

9 Were I to take the red wings of dawn and flee to the sea's utmost end, 10 even there You would be leading me, and Your right hand would hold me fast! 11 Were I to say, "I will take cover in darkness," the night would turn to light. 12 For darkness is not dark to You. The night shines like the day, and darkness is as bright as light. Waking or sleeping, I am always with You. 13 You have formed my innermost parts. You knit me together in the womb of my mother. 14 I thank You, for I am marvelously and wonderfully made! All Your works are wonder-full, as my soul knows very well. 15 You clearly saw even my bones when You made me in secret, when You wove me together in the dark depths of the womb. 16 Your eyes saw me as embryo, and before my days began, You shaped them. My whole life is written in Your Book of Life! 17 How precious Your thoughts are to me, Shaddai! How great in number they are! 18 If I were to try and count them, it would be impossible, like trying to count the grains of sand on the seashore.

Psalm 139:1-18  (feminine translation from Swallow’s Nest: A Feminine Reading of the Psalms by Marchiene Rienstra)

Possible uses of this psalm:

Reassurance of God's presence in the darkness

Pray over a blue candle to instill confidence in God's guidance

Pray to replace feelings of sadness with hope and optimism

Pray to nurture and maintain love, especially in marriage

Receive confidence and self-worth

2-3 sourced from Power of the Psalms by Anna Riva & 4 sourced from My New Everyday Prayer Book by Brother ADA 

[groovy-lady]

[searchingwardrobes]

Battling Anxiety Day 548

I was on a family vacation for a week, but now I'm back!

Tagging @jrob64 @snowbellewells

[beloved-of-john]

8, 10 and 17 for the ask game <3

I answered 8. (What is your favorite Bible story?) and 10. (Is there a certain miracle that Jesus performed that's really spoken to you? If so, which one and why?) here :)

17. What is your favorite Bible verse?

As a trans person, Psalm 139 verses 13-14 mean a lot to me. "For You formed my inward parts, You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made" <3

[ariolimaxxx]

Thinking about how Vito's Ordination Song is SO trans (mostly bc Psalm 139 is very trans and it's basically just that when you think about it)

[leonieanderson]

Psalm 27:1 KJV

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

[craigtowens]

Fearless Stewards

The thought of God’s approaching fills many people with fearful thoughts. But the way Jesus arrived in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday should demonstrate for us that instead of fear, we can be both fearless and rejoicing at His coming.

Listen to the podcast of this post by clicking on the player below, and you can also subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or Audible.  https://craigtowens.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/fearless-stewards.mp3 I’ve noticed over the years that some people get quite nervous—even fearful—with the thought of God coming close to then. Some people have told me, “I can’t go to church—the roof will fall in on…

[hatsuneskizo]

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.“

- Psalm 139:14

[holmezc]

[bebravebekindbeyou]

"Being fearfully and wonderfully made" is a phrase taken from Psalm 139:14, which says, "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." This verse speaks to the idea that God has created every human being with great care and intentionality and that each person is a unique and valuable creation.

To understand this concept more deeply, it's helpful to break down the keywords in the phrase. The word "fearfully" in this context does not mean being afraid, but rather, it refers to awe and reverence. It suggests that the process of creating each individual was

"Being fearfully and wonderfully made" is a phrase taken from Psalm 139:14, which says, "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." This verse speaks to the idea that God has created every human being with great care and intentionality, and that each person is a unique and valuable creation.

To understand this concept more deeply, it's helpful to break down the keywords in the phrase. The word "fearfully" in this context does not mean being afraid, but rather, it refers to awe and reverence. It suggests that the process of creating each individual was done with a sense of profound reverence and care, indicating the incredible value placed on each human life. The word "wonderfully" speaks to the idea that each individual is a marvel, a work of art, and a masterpiece. It acknowledges the complexity and uniqueness of every person and the incredible beauty and diversity that exists within humanity.

This phrase implies that each person is not only valuable, but also purposeful. Each individual is created with a specific plan and design in mind, and has been given unique talents, abilities, and passions to fulfill that plan. This means that every person has a unique contribution to make in the world, and that their life has meaning and significance.

Moreover, being fearfully and wonderfully made also implies that each individual has inherent worth and dignity, regardless of their abilities, background, or circumstances. This means that every person deserves respect, love, and care, and should be treated with kindness and compassion.

However, it's important to note that being fearfully and wonderfully made does not mean that we are perfect or without flaws. Every person has imperfections and struggles, and may face challenges or difficulties in life. But this phrase reminds us that despite our weaknesses and limitations, we are still deeply valued and loved by our Creator.

In summary, being fearfully and wonderfully made is a powerful reminder of the value, purpose, and dignity of every human life. It acknowledges the unique and diverse nature of humanity and highlights the incredible care and intentionality with which each person was created. This concept is a source of comfort, hope, and inspiration, encouraging us to embrace our unique identity and make a positive contribution to the world.

[lukeskywalker60]

One of the unique attributes of God is that he is omnipresent.  He is present everywhere at the same time. God observes everything we do.

Psalm 139

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?

If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.

If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,” Even the night shall be light about me;

Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.

—————

Jeremiah 23:23-24

Am I a God near at hand,” says the Lord, “And not a God afar off?

Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?” says the Lord; “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the Lord.

—————

Acts 17:28a

…for in Him we live and move and have our being…

—————

[katienelsonrau]

Alone?

When I was growing up I thought of God as a large cosmic man on a glowing throne looking down on us. I don’t know how I came up with this idea, but I always imagined him watching me and saying, “I saw that! I saw that, too!” Because of this preconceived notion, I didn’t want to submit to God. I was convinced I would have to give up great music, fun friends, and exciting weekends to be a…

[wisdomfish]

GOD WROTE!

Meditating on the amazing truth that God wrote down all of our days before we were even born!

“Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.” (Ps. 139:16)

EVERY day I live, Father you’ve already written down. Does the story of my life tell of all the ways I’ve failed you? If only I would’ve known the pages I would fill. Yet, in my mother’s womb, Your mighty love formed me - Fearfully and wonderfully made. And even before I was born, You gave Your only Son, that I’d be saved!

ALL I know, is that when I found Jesus, Forever, the story changed. In the darkness, my wandering feet, found a light to my path. Every sad thought, every heart break, every tear drop – You washed them all away. Now that I walk with You Lord, my hand in yours, The story of my life, is that I am saved!

NEVER again, do I have to be afraid. Never again, do the sad thoughts stay. Never again, do the desires of this life call me. My soul knows, there is nothing, No not one thing higher, than Jesus saves!

LET my every day, be a sweet fragrance in Heaven. Let my every thought, rejoice in your mighty ways. Let my every word, bring light into darkness. Let the pages of my life, read forever I will praise You, And tell the mighty story that Jesus saves!

~ Jeff Nelson

[sharonelypearson]

Made in the Image of God

On the day God created humanity, God made them to resemble God and created them male and female. God blessed them and called them humanity on the day they were created. Genesis 5:1b-2 – Common English Bible As a student of Holy Scripture, I am very familiar with the stories of Creation – from Genesis as well as a number of other traditions. God transcends gender; God is Spirit and has no form,…

[leonieanderson]

Psalm 119:105 KJV

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.