Bible Pathway - July 18, 2011
Highlights:
Psalm 139 proclaims the universal presence and infinite knowledge of God. He knows our every thought, word, and deed. This could be any of us speaking to God. The closing prayer is one of the most needed prayers in the whole Bible. The last four psalms reflect David's heartfelt pleas for protection.
A sincere love for God prompts a clear break from sin, as indicated by David's intense concern that he have a pure heart: Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts (Ps. 139:23). This request expresses sincerity. It is not the request of one who was ignorant of his true character and inflated with presumption but of one who thoroughly knew his natural human tendency to self-deception. Just as one unguarded entrance to a high-walled city may admit an invading horde, David knew that yielding to one temptation could weaken an otherwise guarded life.
Let us be well assured that God alone knows our thoughts and hearts. Nothing is overlooked (I Chr. 28:9). The question is: "How does God make known to us that which is known so perfectly to Him?" Let us take David as an example. For months after his great sins of adultery and causing the death of Uriah, he apparently lived without guilt and without his conscience convicting him because he was king; David was in all other activities appearing as a very good and gracious king. But after one year, the prophet Nathan was led of God to say: Wherefore hast thou despised the Commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight? . . . Therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house. . . . Thus saith the Lord . . . I will raise up evil against thee (II Sam. 12:9-11). It was the authoritative Word of God that brought conviction and exposed David's wickedness to his heart. Deeply grieved, David confessed his sin, repented, and was pardoned by God and restored to fellowship with Him. But as God foretold, David suffered many tragedies for the rest of his life because of his sin.
After denying his Lord, Peter remembered the Word of Jesus (Matt. 26:75). That Word searched his heart, and he went out and wept bitterly. The Word, by the power of the Holy Spirit, is the Instrument which the Lord God uses today to search the depths of the human heart. David revealed this to Solomon when he said: Thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek Him, He will be found of thee; but if thou forsake Him, He will cast thee off for ever (I Chr. 28:9).
Thought for Today:
Have you joined David in the words he penned? How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God (Ps. 139:17)!
Christ Revealed:
As the One who deals bountifully with us (Ps. 142:7). I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10; Eph. 3:20).
Word Studies:
139:15 curiously wrought =b> skillfully fashioned; 140:5 gins =b> lures, snares; 141:7 Our bones are scattered =b> Overwhelming destruction is contemplated; 143:3 smitten =b> crushed, struck.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Iva Jo Swinsburg • Government Official: Sen. Mark Udall (CO) • Country: Liechtenstein (32,000) in western Europe • Major languages: German and Alemannic dialect • Religious freedom • 87% Roman Catholic; 12% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Glorify the person, character, and attributes of God as you pray a prayer of praise (Ps. 8:1-9).
Optional Reading: II Timothy 3
Memory Verse for the Week:
Psalms 34:3
