June 16, 2026 - Psalms 136-140

Where shall I go from your Spirit?

      Or where shall I flee from your presence?

If I ascend to heaven, you are there!

      If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

If I take the wings of the morning

      and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

even there your hand shall lead me,

      and your right hand shall hold me.

My frame was not hidden from you,

      when I was being made in secret,

      intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;

      in your book were written, every one of them,

      the days that were formed for me,

      when as yet there was none of them.  (139:7-10, 15-16)

David’s words are both terrifying and comforting.  They are terrifying in that God knows us intimately.  He knows our every deed.  He knows our every word.  He knows our affections.  He knows our every hidden thought.  No one knows us as God knows us, and that fact makes us naked before the One who knows all things.  Nothing is hidden from him.  On the other hand, what comfort is ours!  There is no place in all the universe to which we can go and God not be there to care for us and to answer our cries.  Our days are written by Him who is all good and all wise and whose steadfast love endures forever (Psalm 136).  Even as we fear him, we trust him and rest in him and his love.

When my way grows drear

Precious Lord, linger near-ear

When my life is almost gone

Hear my cry, hear my call

Hold my hand lest I fall

Take my hand, precious Lord

Lead me home.

Precious Lord, take my hand

Lead me on, let me stand

I am tired, I’m weak, I am worn

Through the storm, through the night

Lead me on to the light

Take my hand, precious Lord

Lead me home.   --Thomas Andrew Dorsey (1938)