A LITERARY MASTERPIECE - This is one of the Bible’s major literary and theological treasures. It pushes our thoughts to new places of reflection as we encounter the two unmistakable truths: God knows me and God is with me. The first six verses describe God’s knowledge of the person; the next six verses describe God’s inescapable presence; the third set of six verses reveals God as the presence that is with us even in the womb, crafting and fashioning us; the final six verses move the writer to the implications of such a vast knowledge that God has of human beings.

GOD’S KNOWLEDGE - To return to the first set of six verses (vv. 1-6), the poet is overwhelmed by the knowledge that God has of the psalmist. Literally, "You have searched me and you know!" Nothing is hidden within the crevices of our self-knowledge that is not transparent to God. God actively pursues us and will not let us get away. The presence of such love invites both fierce loyalty (vv. 19-22) and sweet surrender (vv. 23-24). [1]

A WORD ABOUT METAPHOR IN THE PSALMS- Claus Westermann thinks that behind each of the strophes there is a question that moves the psalmist into new thought. Just after writing the opening line-which normally would move into an individual complaint (you have known me . . . and I am innocent!)-the writer asks, Question 1: what do the words before me mean? And he then he posits them in the realities of daily life. Question 2: But what if I am unwilling for God to go with me in every step I take? (which leads to an exploration of possible exits from God’s presence.) Question 3: But how can this be, what is the reason for it? (this leads to the answer: I am God’s creature). So the author’s meditation finally reaches its conclusion-"such knowledge is too wonderful for me." [2]

What did God have in mind for you when your body was still being formed? His is God forming you spiritually now? What does god want you to become? What are your dreams, your goals, your special abilities, your spiritual gifts? How does God want to use them? Dare to pray boldly. Dare to dream boldly.

This is one of the rare psalms whose structure can shape the sermon format. Why not offer your listeners a meditation-create an imaginary context, how did the psalmist come to this magnificent thought of God’s knowledge of him/her?

Walk through the four sets of six verses, commenting, illustrating, wondering, expanding, and reveling in them with your listeners.

Close the meditation with self-evaluation, as the psalmist does: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

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[1] The New Interpreter’s Bible IV (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1998), page 1238.
[2] Claus Westermann, The Living Psalms (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1984), pp. 268-269.