“The divine CT scan”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Sunday, September 4, 2022
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 (Forward, p. 37) CEV p. 640
One of the wonders and joys of modern medicine is that we now have technologically advanced machines and instruments that can peer into the human body without the rather messy and dangerous expedient of undergoing surgery. Such means can now pinpoint even a hairline bone fracture or identify a disturbing mass that could well be some type of cancer. They can even give us clues to brain function and health. Truly, with the psalmist, we can say about this: ‘I can’t understand all of this! Such wonderful knowledge is far above me’ (verse 6), even when the results are not quite so wonderful.
But, if we think that this knowledge is astounding—and more than just a wee bit intimidating—just think of God’s knowledge of us! Our psalmist tells us that God looks deep into our hearts, knows everything that goes on there, and knows everything there is to know. God knows everything about us. What is more, God is able to track our every movement and is able to discern our thoughts no matter where we are or what we are doing. And, not only that, God knows what we will say even before we say it. Surely, this is rather humbling, and more than a bit scary.
Later on, our psalmist tells us that it is God who designed and created us in the first place, and indeed, devised a plan for our lives way back then--that is, even before we were born. That said, we should, if we want to be thoroughly ‘on track’ with God’s design for us, learn to tune in to His thinking and plans, and then fit our lives into this—rather than our usual way of trying to fit God’s plans into ours. And, according to our psalmist, that discernment shouldn’t be overly difficult or taxing, as God is always near to us, always nearby. So, let us dedicate ourselves anew to doing exactly that! Amen.
Forward notes: “Lord, you have searched me out and known me” (verse 1a).
“When I became a mother through adoption 17 years ago, a dear friend gave me a copy of the book, The Runaway Bunny, with the words from Psalm 139 pasted on the inside of the cover.
“As the years unfolded, I read the book to our daughter again and again. And the psalmist’s words spoke to me until they burrowed into my heart and mind. I love the opening words: ‘You have searched me out and known me.’ At first, I had trouble believing those words. Yet, gradually I accepted their miraculous reassurance. One of our basic human instincts is a longing to be known. This longing is fierce for me. When I pray, I remember that I am already known—as a beloved and unique package. And yet God isn’t finished with me. The longings of my heart are not secret to the creator of heaven and earth. My fears, hopes, joys, frustrations are all known. This knowledge gives me hope and helps me to go forth in the name of Christ, rejoicing in the power of our creator, redeemer, and sustainer.”
Moving Forward: “What is your favourite psalm? Why?”