Psalm 139

Nothing in my life is a surprise to God.  He knew who my parents would be, and He knew where I would be born.  Long before I breathed my first breath, He knew the color of my eyes and what my favorite food would be.  He knew me before I was born, and as I grew, He sought to bring me to Himself.

The storms and darkness do not scare God.  Jesus showed his authority of the winds and the waves, and His authority over circumstances is just as powerful.  God’s light does not dim in the face of trouble, even though sorrow may temporarily cause my eyesight to fail.  Through painful times, I can be at peace knowing that I am in His hand.

I am always on God’s mind.  I find it hard to fathom that He thinks of me – that His thoughts of me cannot be numbered.  He never forgets where I am, and He never goes to sleep and leaves me alone.  At night, I can rest knowing that He is awake.

My desires don’t always align with God’s.  I strive for stability in this life; He seeks my eternal security.  I picture myself on a tossing ship with all the pieces of my life sliding haphazardly around – family, work, finances, friends, shelter, goals, hobbies.  I frantically attempt to secure one piece just as another breaks lose.  I ask God to calm the sea so that I can get everything under control.  He stretches out His hand and says, “Get out of your ship, and walk with me.”

What? Leave all of this?

“Trust Me.”

But what about my family?

“Trust Me.”

But my things?

“Trust Me.”

I have plans, God.

“Trust Me.”

I might fall – the waves are really high.

“Trust Me.”

I step.  He is there and I am safe.  He provides what I need.  He cares for my family and friends.  The sea still rages, but nothing can shake His Hand.  The cares that bound me wash into the sea freeing me to enjoy and work at His best for me.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”   Psalm 139:23-24