I flipped the calendar over, the ones published for the church family, and found this text concerning meditation. Psalm 119:15-16, “I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.” The Psalmist recognizes the link between insight and transformation; which is in part, a heart that yearns for his God’s word. Meditation also promotes another aspect of learning; it is called repetition. Peter wrote, “For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things” (2nd Peter 1:12). That said, I want to reflect on a lesson I did some time ago because it is so important to be reminded. Only this time, I want to add something to it.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
marvelous are Your works, and that my soul very well.
Psalm 139:14
Have any of you taken the sheet home and placed it up on a cabinet to remind you daily of this truth? Corey, Debbie and I repeat it every weekday morning. Two words stand out, catching our attention and rightly so. The first word is fearfully which means to revere or reverence. It presents the idea that when mankind genuinely looks at themselves in light of being God’s creation, it can’t help but “produce fear and reverence” (Barnes’ Notes). Wonderfully means to distinguish; that is, “I am distinguished among thy works by things which tend to exalt my ideas of God, and to fill my soul with reverent and devout feelings” (Barns’ Notes). So amazed at what he sees, the Psalmist is compelled to write, “Marvelous are Your works.”
Really, how many of us see ourselves in this fashion. The reason is, we are not looking at the creation; but rather, what the creation has done or not done. There is room for reflection in life: that need to examine and maybe at times repent of ungodly behavior. This is a journey filled with mountain tops and valleys. Here though, we are being challenged to simply see ourselves in light of God’s amazing creation. A creation that had so many wonderful things, but it wasn’t until man was created that God said it “was very good” (Genesis 1:31). Why would man’s creation make such a difference? Because we were the only part of creation that was made in His image (Genesis1:26). The question is, does your soul know this very well?
I close with one last thought which came to me after several times quoting this verse in the morning. It was the very first four words, “I will praise You.” I understand that grasping this kind of truth can help Christians to have a healthy view of self. Yet it dawned on me that such a healthy view opens the doorway to praise of the One who made all things, including me. He deserves praise! Transform my thinking Lord, so I can see me as You have made me. For You are worthy of praise.
Dennis
Biddeford Church of Christ 