October 27, 2008 - Search Me, O God

Meditation on Psalm 139

The loftiest psalm of all the psalms is probably 139. The language is so beautiful as a poem. It is so deeply personal. At the same time, it expresses the omniscience (v. 1-6), the omnipresence (v .7-12) and the omnipotence of God. (v. 13-18)

From the beginning, King David declared that the merciful LORD had searched him and known him. He knew that he could not escape from God, that God had created him, ordained his path of life and knew everything about him. At the end, he still asked the righteous God to search him thoroughly. Why?

I believe that he knew he was a free but sinful human being. He could commit sin and he could associate in his heart with the wicked and idolater for one reason and another. He was concerned for his future. Since he wanted God to lead him in the eternal path, he needed to walk uprightly before God with perfect heart.

Many Christians just love this psalm. I know that some man have been helped by this psalm especially as they meditate upon v. 23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts; And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (KJV) Somehow God has touched them and brought them peace through these Words. The late Chinese composer, evangelist and educator, John Su who had worked with revivalist John Sung (宋尚節), had composed a song with these two verses. Many older Christians as well as many in China are still singing that song today.

I am sure that you will also find other words in this sublime psalm educational and inspirational in your life. Please read and reflect upon it again.