November 23, 2021 – Psalms 136-140

Psalm 139 – The Lord is so acquainted with me that there is nothing he does not know about me. There is no place I can go, where he is not there. He made me, and he knows the number of my days. He knows me even better than I know myself. And, so, rightly does David pray: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way” (139:23,24).

“Anxious thoughts” . . . Are we living through tumultuous times or what? Maybe it’s “or what;” that is, maybe the times are not any more tumultuous than others but that the internet and social media serve as a megaphone screaming every event and response into our brains. I am reminded, once again, that we have only one real resting place and hope: our God and his gospel. Not horses and chariots (Psalm 20:7). Not government declarations or legislation. Not social services. Not treaties. Not arms. Not sweet or powerful sounding platitudes. None of this! And how all these things will disappoint! But to know that I am known by the One who has created me! To know that he is always with me and that I can go nowhere that he does not follow! So, so many biblical texts that assure us of God’s presence and care, but how about just two more?

“Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him” (Nahum 1:9).

How firm a foundation, you saints of the Lord,

is laid for your faith in his excellent Word!

What more can he say than to you he has said,

to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

Fear not, I am with you; O be not dismayed,

for I am your God, and will still give you aid.

I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,

upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand. –“K” in John Rippon’s A Selection of Hymns (1787)