Within thy circling power I stand;
On every side I find thy hand;
Awake, asleep, at home, abroad,
I am surrounded still with God.
I’m challenged when it comes to science and math. In high school, I preferred history, music and English (and drama, of course!), and over the years, my love for the creative arts and humanities has not wavered. Admittedly, when I found myself at the Creation Ministries Conference at Muskoka Bible Centre, my enthusiasm was waning, even before things got started. However, much to my shame, I came away significantly impacted by the teaching of many educated, faithful Christian speakers, as well as being reminded of the importance of knowing how to defend my faith.
More than anything, I was awestruck by the reality of who God is.
As our Creator, God powerfully spoke this magnificent world into existence with mind-blowing, intricate design. As our Heavenly Father, He knows us intimately. God is everywhere, always present to guide, protect, and care for us.
In Psalm 139:13 we read: For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Because we humans are self-centred to the core, we often use this verse to validate our worth. We exist within a culture that propagates individualism and self-love, and even as Christians, we can blindly become caught up in its lies. When we shift the focus from God’s glory to our own importance, we miss the message that the Psalmist is proclaiming.
What is this message? Psalm 139 is a powerful declaration of who God is: all-knowing (omniscient), all-present (omnipresent), and in control of all things (sovereign).
- The Lord knows all there is to know about us. (v. 1-6)
- No place is hidden from God’s view. (v. 7-12)
- God saw us and cared for us before we were born. (v. 13-16)
- God will not abandon us. (17-18)
- God will show justice towards those who oppose Him and His followers. (v. 19-22)
- God promises everlasting life for those who believe. (v. 23-24)
These verses bring comfort and hope. Amid a world that tells us this is all there is, we are reminded of God’s divine working. We are not left on our own to figure it out, nor are we in charge of our own destiny. We don’t have to manufacture our identity, be self-reliant, or even hide our flaws. Instead, we can be confident that our Creator and Father is working all things together for His greater purpose and plan, despite our inadequacies and weaknesses.
The Psalmist is not saying, “I am special;” instead, he is expressing, “God is great.” With the struggles that come into our lives and the chaos around us, knowing that we are fearfully and wonderfully made should grow our faith and trust. Instead of being consumed with our unpredictable circumstances, we can rest in our Creator’s unchanging character. While He holds the world in His mighty hands, He gently cares for you and me.
Within thy circling power I stand; On every side I find thy hand; Awake, asleep, at home, abroad, I am surrounded still with God. …O may these thoughts possess my breast, Where’er I rove, where’er I rest! Nor let my weaker passions dare Consent to sin, for God is there. Isaac Watts
So, the next time you read or hear the words, ” I am fearfully and wonderfully made,” thank God for life and breath. Praise the One who made all of creation with His awesome power. Rejoice that you are under His watchful eye and faithful love.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it. Psalm 139:5-6
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