Surrounded- Psalms 139

“Surrounded and Led by God’s Love”

In a world where we often struggle with our sense of worth and identity, there's a profound truth that can transform how we see ourselves: We are known, loved, and created with purpose by the God of the universe. This isn't just a comforting platitude, but a life-altering reality that can reshape our entire perspective.

Let's start with a simple yet powerful statement: God knows your name. It's easy to feel lost in the vastness of life and wonder if we truly matter in the grand scheme of things. But David reminds us in Psalm 139 that we are intimately known by our Creator. "O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar."

Think about that for a moment. The same God who crafted galaxies and set the stars in motion knows you personally. He's aware of your thoughts, your movements, your fears, and your dreams. This isn't a distant, impersonal deity, but a loving Father who is intimately acquainted with every detail of your life.

But God's knowledge of us goes beyond mere facts. He knows us better than we know ourselves. We often deceive ourselves, trick ourselves, or hold onto misguided opinions about who we are. Yet God sees through all of that to our true self. And here's the incredible part - He knows everything about us, including our flaws and failures, and still chooses to love us unconditionally.

This leads us to our second key truth: God's love for us is unwavering. Unlike human love, which can be fickle and conditional, God's love remains steadfast regardless of our performance or perfection. He loved us before we were born, He loves us in our messiest moments, and He will continue to love us for all eternity.

Consider this analogy: A child's crude drawing, perhaps scribbled on the back of an envelope, becomes a treasured possession for a parent. Not because of its artistic merit, but because of the love behind it. In the same way, God cherishes us not for our perfection, but for who we are - His beloved creation.

Now, let's delve into another profound truth: We are God's masterpiece. Psalm 139 declares, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Every aspect of who you are - your personality, your quirks, your talents, even the parts of yourself you might consider flaws - was carefully crafted by the Heavenly Father

Think of a master tailor creating a bespoke suit. Every stitch, every measurement, every detail is carefully considered and executed with precision. In the same way, God has meticulously designed you, weaving together your DNA, your experiences, and your unique characteristics to create someone utterly unique and irreplaceable.

This truth should revolutionize how we see ourselves. Too often, we fall into the trap of comparison, measuring ourselves against standards set by society or social media. We think we're not smart enough, not attractive enough, not successful enough. But these comparisons miss the point entirely. You weren't created to be a carbon copy of someone else. You were created to be you - the one-of-a-kind masterpiece God intended.

Understanding our identity as God's beloved creation leads us to an important question: What purpose did God have in mind when He created us? The Psalmist ends with a prayer that gives us a clue: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

We were created for relationship with God and to fulfill His purposes in the world. This might look different for each of us - it could involve parenting, mentoring, serving in our community, or using our unique gifts in countless other ways. The key is to seek God's guidance and be willing to step out in faith when He calls us.

Here's where many of us get stuck. We know intellectually that God has a purpose for us, but we hesitate to step into it. We feel inadequate, unprepared, or afraid. But consider this analogy: In a football team, the coach doesn't leave his best players on the sidelines. He puts them in the game where they can make a difference. In the same way, God is calling us off the sidelines and into the game of life He has prepared for us.

Remember, God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called. He works with imperfect people (which, let's face it, is all of us) and equips us for the tasks He gives us. Our job is simply to be willing and available.

As we wrap up, let's consider one final thought: Don't fear being corrected by God. When God corrects us, it's not out of anger or disappointment, but out of love. Just as a good coach reviews game tapes with players to help them improve, God refines us to help us become more like Him and better equipped for our purpose.

In conclusion, embracing our identity as God's beloved, uniquely created children can transform every aspect of our lives. It frees us from the burden of comparison and self-doubt. It gives us confidence to step into our God-given purpose. And it allows us to rest in the unconditional love of our Creator.

So today, take a moment to reflect on these truths. Let them sink deep into your heart. You are known. You are loved. You are created with

Pastor Skott

Discussion Question

My post emphasized that God knows us better than we know ourselves. How does this make you feel? Does it bring comfort or unease?

Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence strongly. How did it impact your faith?

The sermon highlighted that we are "handcrafted, handmade, hand-selected, and chosen and formed by God himself." How does this perspective challenge societal standards of worth and beauty?

Discuss the analogy of God as a coach. How can we better "step onto the field" in our spiritual lives?

In the Sunday Sermon I said, "You're not just saved. You're sent." What do you think this means for your daily life?

How can we balance accepting God's love for who we are with allowing Him to correct and shape us?