Psalm 139:1-18

I was in 6th grade when a small group teacher challenged our circle of friends to memorize Psalm 139. I’m sure she taught insightful truths that year and had biblical advice to give us girls, but the only lesson from those weekly gatherings that remains in my heart to this day, is this chapter.

It’s one of the scriptures that sustained me through years of teenage self-doubts, pregnancy with our two boys, moving internationally, wrestling through anxiety, and walking in life’s unknowns.

These words came to me as I was studying recently, so I share with the hope that if you’re feeling unseen, unknown, or unsettled, you’ll take the original Psalm to heart.

Psalm 139:1-18, A Poem

Lord, how deep is your knowing:

Actions I take without thinking, every move, you are tracking.

Thoughts I’ll have- before their coming- you can see them arriving. 

Paths I’m on and where I’m sleeping, you know where those are going.

Words that my lips are still forming, you hear before I’m speaking.

Behind, before, and surrounding, your hand does all the holding.

And anywhere that I’m dwelling, Your Spirit’s present, leading.

Even darkness overwhelming, can’t hide me from your viewing.

You formed me with a belonging, knit-in since my beginning.

Handmade and built to be lasting, “So good!” you called your crafting.

My bones, in dark you were weaving, a temple for your dwelling.

Books opened up for your reading, each day you were preparing.

Thoughts too many for numbering, of me you’re always thinking.

Present even in my sleeping, I find you constant, keeping.