Psalm 139 is one of my favorite psalms. I love the thought of God knowing me, watching me, and understanding me. It is a great comfort. It is like a warm security blanket. However, there are times when it makes me a little nervous. There are things I think, say, and do that I wish that God wouldn’t see. But the psalm says otherwise.

I have long thought one of the most important words in all of theology is “with.” We are called to do life with one another. We are called to stand with and be with those in need. And perhaps best of all, as the psalm prompts us, we are called to remember that God is with us in every place, every instance, and every situation. I think this includes when we say, think, and do those things we’d rather not say, think, and do.

In some ways, this actually provides me more comfort than when all is well and I am assured of God’s presence with me. For in these moments and times of getting it all wrong, rather than hiding from God, the psalm reminds us that God searches our hearts, sees if there is any wicked way in us, and then because God is so full of grace, mercy, and love, God leads us in the way everlasting. It is in those moments we can be reminded of God’s unquenchable love and grace for us. One of the great blessings of Psalm 139 is we cannot get away from the presence of the God who is always with us. And then the Spirit is there to revive us, hold us, forgive us, celebrate with us, and turn our darkness into light. When our troubled hearts need it the most, God is there. So, beloved, no matter what you are experiencing this season, remember that the God of love is with you, in however it is that you need God’s presence. When I consider this, it is too wonderful for me.