Omni Nature of God and Our Response
Psalm 139
Rev. Dr. Devadosan Sugirtharaj
Introduction
This psalm, written by David, was given to the chief musician as a song to glorify God.
A. The Greatness of God (Psalm 139:1-16).
- The Omniscience of God (Psalm 139:1-6).
- David declared that God’s omniscience is beyond comprehension. Unlike any other, God knows everyone and every thought, everywhere and at all times. God knew the psalmist’s sitting down and rising up. He not only knew the smallest aspects of David’s everyday life but also his innermost thoughts. God surrounded David with protection and comfort, laying His hand upon him as an expression of love and care. This knowledge was too wonderful for David to fully understand, and it filled him with humility before God.
- The Omnipresence of God (Psalm 139:7-12).
- David acknowledged the omnipresence of God—His presence is everywhere. He spoke of God’s Spirit filling all places, meaning there is nowhere to hide from God. God’s presence and glory are found in heaven as well as in Sheol (the realm of the dead, not the lake of fire). His presence moves swiftly, like the light of dawn stretching from east to west. David assured that God’s loving and skillful hand would always lead him, not only in life but also beyond death. For David, God’s presence was a constant light in the darkness.
- The Omnipotence of God (Psalm 139:13-16).
- David recognized that God knew him even before he was born. God’s presence and care were with him as he was conceived and formed in his mother’s womb. David declared he was fearfully and wonderfully made, using the phrase ‘lowest parts of the earth’ to poetically describe the mystery of human formation. God skillfully shaped His body, and even before He was fully formed, God saw His substance. God’s perfect knowledge covers not only the past but also the future, as if every day of David’s life had already been written in a book.
B. Response to the Greatness of God (Psalm 139:17-24).
- Worship to the Greatness of God (Psalm 139:17-18).
- David responded to God with amazement, adoration, and worship, marveling at how deeply God knew and cared for him. He considered God’s thoughts toward him precious and beyond counting—more numerous than the grains of sand. Day or night, David’s thoughts were filled with God’s presence, and he rejoiced that God was with him even at the start of each day.
- Standing on God’s Side (Psalm 139:19-22).
- David then shifted from worship to a prayer against the wicked—those who were not merely his enemies but enemies of God. They opposed and spoke wickedly against the Lord. David expressed his hatred for them, not out of personal animosity, but because of their hatred toward God. His desire was to always be on God’s side.
- Prayer for God’s Guidance (Psalm 139:23-24).
- David understood that God is perfectly knowledgeable, ever-present, loving, and trustworthy. He humbly prayed for God to search and know his heart at the deepest level, asking God to reveal any unbelief or anxious thoughts within him. David referred to unbelief or misplaced trust as a ‘wicked way’ in himself and sought God’s spiritual surgery to cleanse his heart and lead him in the way everlasting.
Conclusion
God’s greatness is unlimited in knowledge, presence, and power. He uses His boundless greatness to form us, care for us, and love us. Our response should be to worship God, stand on His side, and continually seek His guidance. As you reflect on God’s greatness in your life, does it move you to worship and prayer?