Originally posted on January 8, 2011 at 1:15 am
Scripture References;
Psalm 139
The All-Knowing, Ever-Present God
For the choir director. A Davidic psalm.
1 LORD, You have searched me and known me.
2 You know when I sit down and when I stand up;
You understand my thoughts from far away.
3 You observe my travels and my rest;
You are aware of all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue,
You know all about it, LORD.
5 You have encircled me;
You have placed Your hand on me.
6 [This] extraordinary knowledge is beyond me.
It is lofty; I am unable to [reach] it.
7 Where can I go to escape Your Spirit?
Where can I flee from Your presence?
8 If I go up to heaven, You are there;
if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there.
9 If I live at the eastern horizon
[or] settle at the western limits,
10 even there Your hand will lead me;
Your right hand will hold on to me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me,
and the light around me will become night”
12 even the darkness is not dark to You.
The night shines like the day;
darkness and light are alike to You.
13 For it was You who created my inward parts;
You knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I will praise You,
because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made.
Your works are wonderful,
and I know [this] very well.
15 My bones were not hidden from You
when I was made in secret,
when I was formed in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw me when I was formless;
all [my] days were written in Your book and planned
before a single one of them began.
17 God, how difficult Your thoughts are
for me [to comprehend];
how vast their sum is!
18 If I counted them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand;
when I wake up, I am still with You.
19 God, if only You would kill the wicked&md;
you bloodthirsty men, stay away from me &md;
20 who invoke You deceitfully.
Your enemies swear [by You] falsely.
21 LORD, don’t I hate those who hate You,
and detest those who rebel against You?
22 I hate them with extreme hatred;
I consider them my enemies.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my concerns.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me;
lead me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139 HCSB
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Psalm 23
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Psalm 23 KJV
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O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.Psalm 34:8 KJV
7They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.8The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.9The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. Psalm 145:7-9 KJV
16And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16 KJV
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8 KJV
It is such an odd thing that we can “sort of” know something, but still not really grasp it ( See Psalm 139:6 &17 above.). It is also an odd thing that we can grasp a glimpse of truth for a brief moment in time only to have it slip from the front of our feeble minds and fall into some other place not to be remembered until the Lord shines His light and helps us find it again. In the meantime we may stumble, but that does not change anything.
During His earthly ministry, the Lord had to repeatedly remind his disciples of things that He had previously stated. Would you like to know what really makes me glad? If you look at the above passage of scripture you will see that the Lord knows the future. In some New Testament passages it says that before He even made the earth He knew what the future held:
1PAUL, AN apostle (special messenger) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah), by the divine will (the purpose and the choice of God) to the saints (the consecrated, set-apart ones) [a]at Ephesus who are also faithful and loyal and steadfast in Christ Jesus:
2May grace (God’s unmerited favor) and spiritual peace [which means peace with God and harmony, unity, and undisturbedness] be yours from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3May blessing (praise, laudation, and eulogy) be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual (given by the Holy Spirit) blessing in the heavenly realm!
4Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.
5For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [[b]because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]–
6[So that we might be] to the praise and the commendation of His glorious grace (favor and mercy), which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
7In Him we have redemption (deliverance and salvation) through His blood, the remission (forgiveness) of our offenses (shortcomings and trespasses), in accordance with the riches and the generosity of His gracious favor, 8Which He lavished upon us in every kind of wisdom and understanding (practical insight and prudence), 9Making known to us the mystery (secret) of His will (of His plan, of His purpose). [And it is this:] In accordance with His good pleasure (His merciful intention) which He had previously purposed and set forth in [c]Him, 10[He planned] for the maturity of the times and the climax of the ages to unify all things and head them up and consummate them in Christ, [both] things in heaven and things on the earth. 11In Him we also were made [God’s] heritage (portion) and we obtained an inheritance; for we had been foreordained (chosen and appointed beforehand) in accordance with His purpose, Who works out everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His [own] will, 12So that we who first hoped in Christ [who first put our confidence in Him have been destined and appointed to] live for the praise of His glory!13In Him you also who have heard the Word of Truth, the glad tidings (Gospel) of your salvation, and have believed in and adhered to and relied on Him, were stamped with the seal of the long-promised Holy Spirit.
14That [Spirit] is the guarantee of our inheritance [the firstfruits, the pledge and foretaste, the down payment on our heritage], in anticipation of its full redemption and our acquiring [complete] possession of it–to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:1-14 Amplified Bible
There have been times that I made requests to the Lord that were granted even though the Lord knew all of the things I would think, say, and do (and many of them were sinful) as soon as I said “Amen”.
Have you ever said to someone “Did you know that the Bible says…” and hear them respond by saying “Yes, that is true, but…” and then they continue on pouring out their heart to you, obviously completely unaffected by the truth in what you shared? Although their initial response was “Yes, that is true”, they continue to share concerns that demonstrate that they actually failed to grasp that truth. They might even go on to quote some scripture out of context that would “seem” to nullify that truth.
Have “you” ever been the one who failed to grasp a truth that you profess to believe? I have. I do it at least once a day, and on some days more than on other days. If your answer is “Yes, I fail to grasp certain truths from time to time.”, how does that make you feel?
I know how I feel when it dawns on me that I failed…when I realize I have been indulging in negative or doubtful musings, and even opening my mouth and sharing those thoughts with others. I basically have two reactions. My initial reaction is to suddenly realize that my thoughts were wrong; that they were not the Lord’s thoughts… and to feel a little ashamed that I was “at it” again. But my second reaction is to think this thought: “The Lord knows all about it, but He still loves me and forgives me and continues to behave toward me in merciful and kind ways.”
The 6th verse of the 23rd Psalm holds a promise:
“‘Surely‘ goodness and mercy ‘shall‘ follow me ‘all’ the days of my life: and I ‘will’ dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
How could David make such a claim? He did not know what he himself would do in any given moment after he uttered those words, yet he also uttered these words:
“Before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, LORD.“ Psalm 139:4
He did not say “some” word or words. He said “a” word… “any” word…”every” word (both good words and bad words)
…So David’s confidence did not hinge on any good thing he himself might do, or any bad thing he might refrain from doing. His confidence was in the Lord’s goodness…a goodness that is so good that it assured him that he would dwell in the House of the Lord forever. Have you ever wondered how the Lord accomplishes that promise? Well, if you will look again at the 5th verse of Psalm 139 above it says that the Lord encircles and places His hand on those who belong to Him. God is good, loving and merciful. To be encircled by the Lord is to be encircled with goodness, mercy, and love.
At this very moment are you able to grasp this wonderful truth? Then rejoice right now! Thank the Lord and praise Him! Let this truth lift you up… bask in it. Let it refresh your tired mind and renew it. Don’t worry about how long you will be able to grasp it…just pause in awesome wonder at the fact that God grasps you!…”His hands are very, very, big; so big that there is always room for more. He drops nothing!” :) https://pronetoponder.wordpress.com/2010/01/12/basic-math-and-very-big-hands/
Here is a song that I hope will bless you.
The Solid Rock by Edward Mote
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ Name.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord? Please click here:https://pronetoponder.wordpress.com/category/about-salvation-very-important-words/ and make sure.
Do you have a Bible? If you don’t have one, you need not worry. Just click here: www.biblegateway.com They have many versions and translations of the Bible that you can read. Some of the best things in life are free!
Moore to Ponder 
Heather said,
July 25, 2011 at 11:47 pm
If your answer is “Yes, I fail to grasp certain truths from time to time.”, how does that make you feel?
I definitely have done this before. And, it is a frightening thing to realize I’ve jumped to a generally unsupported conclusion based primarily on feelings of personal failure and some scripture references which appear to be used to make an argument which goes against what a majority of in-context passages say.
That sort of shake-up always tempts me to take my eyes off of Jesus and the need to ask Him for direction.
Thank you for the reminder that nothing I can do or say takes the Lord by surprise.
.
Moore to ponder said,
July 26, 2011 at 3:00 am
Heather don’t let that frighten you. Instead, rejoice and be exceedingly glad that the Spirit brought it to your attention…take it as a wonderful confirmation that the Lord has faithfully shown you these things, and “will” continue to do so… because you are so precious in His sight that He must lead you in the way everlasting! 🙂
Blessings,
Theresa
Debbie said,
July 26, 2011 at 9:24 pm
I love this song and the comfort of this post, Theresa! How I need that assurance that He knows and does forgive. 🙂
love you and am praying for you!
deb
Moore to ponder said,
July 26, 2011 at 10:32 pm
Deb, thank you.
I am so so glad you are praying for me. Fall isn’t even here and I already feel like I need to go on a retreat…with you and my other lady blogging friends…
…to a place where we could munch on chicken salad sandwiches and cookies and stay up really late, and just all let our hair down and share. Then we could all comfort each other, and sing songs and pray and watch a really cute movie and then get up early in the morning and have really great coffee and all go outdoors to a place that has a beautiful view and it would miracuously be around 75 degrees and look like this:
http://arts-wallpapers.com/DesktopWallpaper/Flowers/imagepages/image15.htm
I found this photo online. I could just picture a pretty little picnic table nestled somewhere in that scene. Just pausing and looking at the picture and imagining it was almost like a retreat in itself! 🙂
Love,
Theresa
Ann said,
July 27, 2011 at 11:39 am
Thank you, Theresa
“His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.”
There are days when the flood seems to wash my very feet from under me. So thankful that I stand firm as long as I stand in Him!
This song holds loads of memories for me.
The truth of who He is never changes despite the situations we find ourselves in. What a joy in knowing that He is there ready to save us as we call!!
Thank you for always sharing the way you do. You continue to remind me of the days past when He proved Himself to us over and over again. Knowing what what we know, how can we not love and serve Him?!
Blessings much,
ann
Moore to ponder said,
July 27, 2011 at 2:04 pm
I am so glad it encouraged you. The Lord eternally saved the souls of all who have ever called on Him, so they would not perish but have everlasting life, and He also continually saves them (delivers them) from the evil that can be found in many situations that they face each day. I love the Lord’s prayer. I pray it daily:
“9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11Give us this day our daily bread.
12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13”
Blessings,
Theresa
Linda said,
July 29, 2011 at 2:46 am
Hi Theresa…
I struggle with the notion that it’s okay to sin, confess, then go out and do it all again. I know we all do that sometimes but I really try to do it in the spirit of repentance. But I also know that I don’t want to stop, probably won’t. Does that make sense?
Lucky for me, I lead a fairly boring life, my blog being the most exciting thing I do! Can’t get in too much trouble if you never leave the house!
Thanks as always, and hugs! : )
Moore to ponder said,
July 29, 2011 at 3:06 am
I think I understand. There are so many topics that address that. There are so many different works…some are done by the Christian and some are done either for the Christian or to the Christian by the Lord. There is so much there in your comment. I have a tendency to talk too much (ramble on) in the comment exchanges on my blog. I am trying to be a little more careful about that.
If there is ever anything at all in my posts that seems odd or causes questions or comments to come to your mind please comment. I love to discuss these things. There is so much that I still need to learn and I learn a lot from you all.
Hugs,
Theresa
bendedspoon said,
July 31, 2011 at 1:08 am
This post is perfectly meant for me today. I do not even have to ask for God to search me and see if something offensive is within. There is and I am struggling. Someone who hurt me is in pain and the words may not be coming out of my mouth but my heart is saying, “Now you know how it is to be in pain.” No, I am not rejoicing in somebody else’s pain but the level of compassion is not at its highest — my heart isn’t synchronized with the rest of myself.
I need to recount how good the Lord is to me despite all the pains that I have caused Him. How He forgave me, saved me, and continuously love me. Oh no, I am breaking down in tears. I think I will be okay now but got to continue staying within His circle of love and give the same.
Yours is such a comforting place Theresa. I think I just had the earlier part of the retreat. Now to continue with everyone…Hugggs and love 🙂
Moore to ponder said,
July 31, 2011 at 2:41 am
I have been in that place where my compassion is not as high as it should be…still go there from time to time, but then the Lord convicts me and I cry out to Him and then He comforts me. Jesus loves to comfort us. 🙂
Huggs and love to you, Rea.
Moore to ponder said,
January 21, 2013 at 7:51 pm
Reblogged this on Moore to Ponder and commented:
The 6th verse of the 23rd Psalm holds a promise:
“‘Surely‘ goodness and mercy ‘shall‘ follow me ‘all’ the days of my life: and I ‘will’ dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
How could David make such a claim? He did not know what he himself would do in any given moment after he uttered those words, yet he also uttered these words:
“Before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, LORD.“ Psalm 139:4
He did not say “some” word or words. He said “a” word… “any” word…”every” word (both good words and bad words)
Debbie said,
January 22, 2013 at 4:52 am
Love you and thank you for sharing this with us, at such a time as this! Dear Ann posted from Psalms 139 today too! God bless you as He knows and loves you today!
Moore to ponder said,
January 22, 2013 at 5:40 am
Thank you, Deb for your kind words.
Love,
Theresa
Pastor Glenn said,
January 23, 2013 at 11:11 pm
“So David’s confidence did not hinge on any good thing he himself might do, or any bad thing he might refrain from doing. His confidence was in the Lord’s goodness…a goodness that is so good that it assured him that he would dwell in the House of the Lord forever.”
Well said Theresa! The same David also said, “Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been of old. Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness.” (Psalm 25:6-7)
Blessings,
GG
Moore to ponder said,
January 24, 2013 at 1:23 am
Thank you, Pastor Glenn.
Blessings,
Theresa
Ann said,
January 29, 2013 at 4:01 am
” LORD, You have searched me and known me.”
And despite what He knows, He loves me!!!! ….I can’t get past that. And it doesn’t matter how often I read it . 🙂
Thanks for sharing, Dear Theresa.
Blessings
ann
Moore to ponder said,
January 29, 2013 at 5:42 am
” And all of a sudden I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory.”
What a beautiful song!
” ‘LORD, You have searched me and known me.”
And despite what He knows, He loves me!!!! ….I can’t get past that. And it doesn’t matter how often I read it’.”
Don’t get past that! Pray you don’t get past that, and I will pray the same thing for me. 🙂
Love,
Theresa
Wendell A. Brown said,
January 30, 2013 at 10:55 am
My favorite book in the bible dear sister, Psalms! Thanks for sharing such a beautiful post…so very inspriing! God bless, and much love always dear sister!
Moore to ponder said,
January 30, 2013 at 4:43 pm
I think the book of Psalms is probably my favorite, too. They describe the Lords, mercy and unfailing love so vividly.
Blessings,
Theresa