MEDITATING ON THE TRANSCENDENCE OF GOD

Premier Christian Radio is currently running a series on Christians sharing their favourite psalms. They are to read the psalm and share the reason why it’s their favourite psalm.

One listener presented Psalm 139 as their favourite and focus on verse 14. Their focus of verse 14 was more on how great they were fearfully made, and there was a sense of how they feel blessed to be such a masterpiece. The problem with this understanding, is that the focus was switched from God to self. 

You see, the point of this psalm is this. David was meditating on the transcendence of God as a result, he caught a glimpse of the glory of God and therefore wanted to be changed by Him.

In light of this, let me invite you to read Psalm 139 with a theological approach or a God centred lens just as how the Holy Spirit inspired David.

GOD'S OMNISCIENCE

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 afar. Psalm 139:1-2 ESV

We know that our thoughts are hidden from our fellow humans but they are opened and known to God.

You see, the search is not implying that God was trying to figure out what’s on David’s heart. But, the idea of search out implies bringing the unknown to light.

Also, we discover from this great psalm, that David knew that the Creator has infinite knowledge of His creatures, as He personally crafted them. What’s amazingly striking is that before an individual utter a word, God knew what they will say.

In response to these glorious thoughts, David was overwhelmed by the infinite knowledge of God. In reality, it’s inconceivable for us to grasp the incomprehensibility of God (Psalm 139:5-6).

GOD'S OMNIPRESENCE

Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! Psalm 139:8-9 ESV

David continues his journey of meditation and his focus was not himself but was gazing at the One who is majestic and glorious.  However, he moved from God’s infinite knowledge to His all pervasive presence.

As David meditates on the omnipresence of God, he asked a rhetorical question of wanting to escape God’s presence but the reality is, God’s Spirit is everywhere. 

It’s important to note that, David was not wanting to escape from the presence of God but rather delight and feel secure in the presence of God. 

He then answered his rhetorical question with hyperbolic statements. His hyperbolic statements explores the four ends of the earth and that of the most secret of places but the obvious answer is, God is everywhere (Psalm 139:8-9).

In addition, If God has foreknowledge of the intentions of the heart, what advantage a physical escape or hiding in darkness would benefit?( Psalm 139:10-11).

GOD'S OMNIPOTENCE

For you formed my inward parts;

you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works;

my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:13-14 ESV

The writer reaches the third attribute of God’s infinite power. This power is seen in the Creator masterfully designing His most precious creature.

The focus is how great and powerful God is. As a consequence, the praising comes from the great admiration of how a human being is fearfully and wonderfully made by God.  

Most importantly, the intricate design and complexity of the human anatomy should struck us in wonders and praise.

David’s poetic language likened the womb as God’s secret studio where he fashioned a person until they are born. As a result, the creator has ordained every day of His creatures lives. 

This should encourage the child of God to feel safe and secure in the hands of the sovereign Lord. Also, It’s incredibly comforting to know that God has countless thoughts about His children.

CHRISTIAN'S OBLIGATION

In response to this vision of the transcendence God, David’s meditation leads to a petition for God to destroy his and God’s enemies (psalm 139:19-22).

Therefore, because of who God is and what He has called us to. Our obligation to Him, is for us to destroy our enemies and be led by the Spirit (Romans 8:12-14 NASB).

The sin of self-centredness and narcissism are enemies we should try to kill with the help of the Holy Spirit. However, the awe of God’s transcendence should inspire us to live a holy life. 

Let’s bear in mind that, hypocrisy and twisted intent are exposed in God’s eyes, therefore whatever you do in the absence of others it’s certainly done in the presence of God.

Like David, part of our prayers should be genuine confessions before the all knowing, present and powerful God (Psalm 139:23-24). We should approach His throne of grace with reverence not trepidation to receive mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:16). Therefore, let us long to gaze at the beauty of the glory of God and trust that He will take us to eternity.