Read the passage several times through, slowly and prayerfully. It might help to use your imagination to picture the scene. At the end of the text you will find helpful background information in our ‘Setting the Scene’ section.

As you read, look out for shockers and blockers.

Shockers – a phrase, word, image or something from the text that resonates, stands out or connects with you.

Blockers – something from the text that raises questions for you.

Psalm 139.1–18, 23–24

You have looked deep into my heart, Lord, and you know all about me.

You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts.

You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say, and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side.

I can’t understand all of this!

Such wonderful knowledge is far above me.

Where could I go to escape from your Spirit or from your sight?

If I were to climb up to the highest heavens, you would be there.

If I were to dig down to the world of the dead you would also be there.

Suppose I had wings like the dawning day and flew across the ocean. Even then your powerful arm would guide and protect me.

Or suppose I said, “I’ll hide in the dark until night comes to cover me over.” But you see in the dark because daylight and dark are all the same to you.

You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s body, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvellous! Of this I have no doubt. Nothing about me is hidden from you!

I was secretly woven together deep in the earth below, but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born you had written in your book everything I would do.

Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding, much more than I could ever imagine. I try to count your thoughts, but they outnumber the grains of sand on the beach.

And when I awake, I will find you nearby.

Look deep into my heart, God, and find out everything I am thinking.

Don’t let me follow evil ways, but lead me in the way that time has proven true.

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Setting the Scene

The key focus of this psalm is God’s intimate knowledge of us. We can feel safe about God’s scrutiny and knowledge because he loves us, cares for us and is committed to our well-being. How incredible that we can be totally exposed and yet totally accepted.
The psalmist’s response to being known is an impulse is to flee, to run and hide because this is all too much! But there is no escape, there is nowhere dark enough or far enough away to hide.
Instead of running, he uses the insight into his ‘evil ways’ to lead and long for God-pleasing ways.

Still lyfe

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