What He Knows, How He Shows

“For you formed my inward parts;
    you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
    my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
    intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
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.”

“I stretch out my hands to you;
    my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. 

Answer me quickly, O Lord!
    My spirit fails!
Hide not your face from me,
    lest I be like those who go down to the pit.
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
    for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
    for to you I lift up my soul.

Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord!
    I have fled to you for refuge.
Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God!
Let your good Spirit lead me
    on level ground!”

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
    your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
    Do not forsake the work of your hands.” Psalm 139:13-16; 143:6-10; 138:8

David was convinced that God was intimately acquainted with his whole life from beginning to end and inside out. He knew well His works, and trusted His omniscience to uphold and perform His purposes. Yet in the flesh, he needed guidance, and through ongoing communion, earnestly sought the Lord’s revelation of next steps so he’d remain aligned with His will.

The God who knows all is faithful to show His children His way. His word is the Source for what we need to know about His attributes and manner of dealing with man and His world. His Spirit gives understanding from what He has said, and directs our thinking and impulses to comprehend His will. His is an ongoing instruction as we continue to ask, abide, trust, and obey. (Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 3:5-6; John 16:13)

Our challenge is keeping on that path. It is to turn to His knowledge and wisdom instead of our own, to trust His commands and principles over human expertise or gut feelings. We must pray according to truth to keep on level ground, to see His promises unfold and His light before us on our path. How deliberately do we seek Him over every other resource? (Psalm 119:105; John 4:24)

If our inclination is to spiritual sloth or man’s take, confess it. When we elevate personal passion, or esteemed ‘thought leaders,’ or even spiritual directors over the One who knows us and everything best, we miss His direct interaction with our upturned soul. Would we ask God for desire and courage, for the stamina to stick to a commitment to seek Him first? The more we spend time in the Word, the more we will be enlightened, delighted, and desire its good food. The more we absorb His Word, the more intelligent, God-shaped, and expectant will be our prayers.

Lord, take me into Your confidence and keep me on Your narrow and good way, to Your ends and glory. (Matthew 7:13-14; John 15:15)