Psalm 139: The Inescapable God
By David Weber
I am going through the spiritual exercises again. It is a wonderful journey the second time around. I am going slower, taking my time and savouring each step on the journey. The purpose is to grow even closer to God – to build my faith and allow God to guide my path. Like any exercise – it is hard work…but it pays off. In this case – it is my spiritual health that is improving.
This morning, St. Ignatius has me studying Psalm 139: The Inescapable God.
“O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.”
This is the ultimate in intimacy with the Lord. He knows what is ahead for me - and I can take solace that no matter what is ahead for me, the Lord will be with me. What comfort this brings to life! How can we remain anxious about the future if we believe that the Lord will be with us? The Lord has cleared the path - for both of us to walk on together.
Such intimacy from the Lord. Am I open to this intimacy? How can I foster this intimacy? How can I bask in God’s gaze?
Prayer and quiet meditation with the Lord opens me up to God - and my faith will certainly bring Him closer to me. It comes down to understanding and accepting his endless Love. It is ever present, endless, inspiring and glorious. Can I open my heart to it without condition? Can I return that Love to God? Can I have an intimate relationship with Him?
“In your book was written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them existed.”
Wherever you are...wherever you are going…God is with you. God is omnipresent. God is omniscient. God is our creator. God knows me better than I know myself. This poses some deep questions. What does God know about me? What does God think about me? What can we ask God to remove from our lives to improve our ability to love and serve him?
In this Covid time of isolation and distancing from normal life – one can feel abandoned. Psalm 139 reminds us that God is there to comfort us. Always – and in all ways. Grab your bible and reflect over Psalm 139 – and do so knowing that God is right there with you as you pray.
