Psalm 139
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23–24, NKJV)
“Know yourself” is a popular philosophical maxim. But can anyone really know himself? There is so much I don’t know about myself. I don’t know how all the bodily systems function together to keep me alive. I don’t understand how food in my stomach is broken down into chemicals to keep every cell functioning. As David said, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (v. 14).
I don’t know the future, so how can I really understand my role in time and history? But God knows everything; He knows what tomorrow will bring and my role in it. David was impressed that even before he could form a word in his mouth, the LORD already knew it (v. 4).
“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.” (Psalm 139:6, NKJV)
In addition, while David was still in his mother’s womb, all the days of his life were written in God’s book (v. 16). He was living out the script that had already been written. But what was on the next page? God only knew!
Finally, wherever David went…however far his travels took him away…God was still there.
“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalm 139:7, NKJV)
I have traveled to several foreign countries, but wherever I go, God is always with me just as He is at home. Jonah tried to flee from the presence of the LORD but found that he could not.
People may say, “Know yourself,” but the truth is we cannot really know ourselves apart from God. That is why David invited the LORD to search him and to know all his thoughts. Which thoughts were worthy? Which were needless worry? Which plans of his heart would lead him closer to God? Which would lead him into sin? Who can trust his own heart when it is so deceitful and self-centered? David understood that only God could know him. And we would all be wise to ask God to show us what He sees in us. This is the way of everlasting life.