“You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, you, LORD know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” Psalm 139:3-7 ESV
Within the depths of our being and the profundities of our soul, we long for intimacy; we long for perfect union and complete harmony—for true peace. Yet, while we live on this earth, our sin keeps us from experiencing peace to the fullest. The closest human relationships that mirror oneness are marriage or a mother with an unborn child, but even these among the godliest of saints are marred by the effects of sin, pain and death. During this Christmas season we celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace of whom Isaiah prophecies, “Of the greatness of his governance and peace there will be no end.” Is 9:7
Jesus was man born in deity as the Son of God and King of kings. He will govern in perfect justice and rightlessness because he alone is omniscient. This is a scary proposition because none can keep His law perfectly and merit citizenship into His holy kingdom. But God loves us so much that he sent Jesus to accomplish peace. He did this by taking the punishment for sin we rightly deserve though He had known no sin, and freely giving us His clean rap sheet by faith in order that we could be justly reconciled to God. He knowns every detail about us and still he loves us with a relentless unconditional love. If we have surrendered our lives to Christ, we have been given His Spirit who searchers our hearts, reveals our sin and empowers us to overcome it. Peace is ours as we walk in the Spirit, relishing in God’s character and trusting what He is doing through us with each breath he lends us.
It is truly amazing to mediate on all of God’s goodness to us when we think of all the little ‘coincidences’ of life as truly providences from above. “Who could marvel enough at the goodness of divine providence, at its power, its nobility in difficulties, its ease in managing awkward situations, its magnificence, its resourcefulness?” (Odoret of Cyr, Discourse I.39) God is intimately acquainted with all our ways! He knows our every decision beforehand, every word uttered, sees every thought pondered, holds every dream in his watchful eye, bottles every tear, and cares deeply about our soul. It’s almost too good to take it all in! It’s astounding to think about God knowing us individually so well– better than we do ourselves. Not only that but He also knows every single person completely and is everywhere all at the same time! He is perfect judge because he is an eye witness to every event– in action or thought—to ever occurrence in human history. “Not only is humanity unable to understand the nature of God’s being, but also how he can be present everywhere simultaneously” (Chrysostom).
Abba, Heavenly Father! Creator of the all the mankind, creatures, planets and galaxies. You hold the universe and yet also care about the little details of our day as well as the monumental events of our lives! Your love is endless, demonstrative and true. You are our maker, refuge and solace. Thank you for being there wherever we go and whoever far we may stray. Forgive us for our doubts, fears and anxious thoughts. Lord search us and reveal to us ways we may grieve you and grant us repentance that we may more fully worship you. You are worthy of all our love, devotion and praise! In Jesus’ name.
This Thorny Rose 