Digging Deeper Days
Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!
Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
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The Questions
1) What do we learn about God in this passage?
2) How should we respond?
3) Why does He do these things for us?
Psalm 139:1-16
O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9 If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,”
12 even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.
13 For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
Original Intent
1) What do we learn about God in this passage?
The God of the Universe, our Heavenly Father, is all-knowing (omniscient). He knows everything from eternity past to eternity future, including the thoughts and actions of every person. God is also wherever we go (omnipresent). He is everywhere at all times. God is creative and possesses marvelous workmanship. This Creator God is also guiding, protective, comforting, and in complete control.
2) How should we respond?
The psalmist gives us a great example in his response to God in Psalm 138. He gives thanks to God, sings His praises, and bows in worship. “I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.” (Psalm 138:2 NLT) No person on earth has the capacity or ability to love us as much as Our Sweet Savior, the One who gave us our life and then gave His life as payment for our sin. Humility and worship of our Lord are the only logical response to the realization that the God who holds the universe in His hand cares for you and me.
3) Why does He do these things for us?
God created man and woman in His image, which includes a desire for relationship. He created us to relate not only with other people, but most importantly with Himself. And God’s comfort and protection and guiding is proof of His love for each of us.
Everyday Application
1) What do we learn about God in this passage?
Do you find comfort in the fact that God is everywhere and knows all about you? Or do you feel anxious or frightened or just a little creeped out?
The Lover of your soul is not like some peeping tom. He isn’t trying to pry into your business. He doesn’t push His way into your life, but genuinely cares for you and, if you allow, He will tenderly hold you through all your days. He knows exactly what you need because He knows you.
2) How should we respond?
Our response to God is based on the way we think about Him. Do you see Him as a tyrant? You’ll likely rail against Him. Do you feel God is mean to you, punishing you for wrongs you’ve done? Then you probably don’t want to talk to Him. But if you can see, like David did in this passage, that God only wants what’s best for you, then you should be able to respond in worship and praise. I know there will be times when it’s easier to sulk or feel self-pity or even anger based on your situation…I’ve been there. But through it all, God is there with you. Lean into Him. His love is matchless!
3) Why does He do these things for us?
For those of you with children, you would do anything to give your kids what they need, right? You provide food, clothing, protection from weather and dangers, and even give them gifts you know they will enjoy.
The Lord, your Heavenly Father, acts in this way toward you and me on an even grander scale!
He loves us because He made us. He shows us His love and only wants for us to recognize the Giver of the gifts and to love Him in return.
What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with For God!
Digging Deeper is for Everyone!
1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!
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Why Dig Deeper?
Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.
In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!
Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.
Study Tools
We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.
Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!
Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))
Memorize It!
Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.
Thank you for this good reminder that God knows me so well because He created me, and He knows exactly what I need.
Rachel, isn’t it wonderful to know that you’re cared for by a Loving Father? Join me in basking in His love today…let it seep into your soul.