Devotion 05 February 2026

O Lord, you have searched me and known me. Psalm 139: 1

READING: Psalm 139

In this psalm, the writer is wrestling with what it means to be seen and known by God.

The whole psalm revolves around the word ‘known’: the word occurs seven times in this psalm. The psalmist addresses a God who is powerful and omnipotent (v17), but also deeply concerned with the individual. We are known so intimately that there is nowhere we can go where God is not. He even knew us before we were born (vs 13-16a) and knows our future (v 16b). All the verses 7 to 17 describe in poetic imagery how useless it is to try to hide or flee from God’s knowledge of us, our movements, our actions or our thoughts. Finally the writer concludes, "I come to the end – I am still with you" (v 18).

So what does that intimate knowing mean? Is it the ultimate security or claustrophobic? For God to “hem me in” (v 5) can feel like safety, or like imprisonment. Do I want to rest secure as God’s right hand holds me fast (v 10)? Or do I want to flee from God’s presence (v 7)? To be searched and known by the living God is both to know we are beloved, and also to feel distinctly vulnerable. It is certainly not an entirely comfortable place to be.

But, like a small child, we grow and develop best from a place of security. A toddler will try to walk more courageously within the security of a parent’s arms; and explore relationships more enthusiastically if mom is nearby. We read in verses 19-22 how, held in the safety of God’s love, the psalmist can examine his insecurities, and speak out honestly of his hatred for those who oppose his beliefs, asking for God to discover any “wicked ways”.

And then, in those wonderful last two verses, we, along with the writer of old, open ourselves to God’s love, letting Him into every part of our lives, to challenge us in every aspect, with the intention not to condemn us but to change us for the better, that we may be led “in the way everlasting”(v24).

Prayer

Creator God, I long to be known by You. I trust that You are loving enough to accept and forgive all that You will find. I trust that You will cleanse and change me to become more like Your Son, my Lord and Saviour. Amen.