“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Psalm 139:14
Take a Moment to Ponder
Recently I inveigled my barber to give me a haircut different from what I am accustomed. It has been quite a show stopper, as many persons have commented that it makes me look younger and more handsome. Receiving the compliments stroked my ego and made me blush a little sometimes. However, at a deeper level, I receive these tributes in affirmation of the beauty that is imbedded within me – a beauty that God put there; a beauty that is God’s very self, poured into me when I was created as a wonderful work of the Creator’s own hands.
The Psalmist, in Psalm 139:14, in affirming God’s divine knowing, presence and power, declared: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well”. Obviously praying, the Psalmist praises God for the marvel of his creation, which, though not limited to humans, cannot be overlooked. He is left only to acknowledge how awesome God is in creating him, although he has corrupt thoughts, undermining motives and distorted principles.
I somehow find myself imbibing the words “I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” as I acknowledge that, like the Psalmist, I am not a clone or copy of anyone! I am the handmade of the pottering wheel of a purposeful God. God spent time to design, create, and cover me with flesh; to bless me with creativity, equip me with a mind, and dwell with me in the spirit for he did say, “I will be with you always.” That tells me further, that God has invested much in me, and I revel in the fact that I am a peculiar treasure of inestimable value to God.
The psalm exalts God’s truest knowing of my substance, though in my mind, imperfect. It tells me that God knows my whereabouts and is present to me whether I sleep or move. I may run, or try to hide but I cannot veil the God who penetrates even the darkness to see me – thoughts, motives, actions and aims; the God who not only created me but by whose divine love the sinew of my innermost being is powered. So, since I cannot escape from God, I must yield myself to holiness. Now I know that not only do I carry blessings with me, I am a dispenser of these blessings everywhere I go.
Then, 1 Peter 2:9 affirms that I am part of God’s …chosen generation, royal priesthood, holy nation, and His own special people… I celebrate that I am created to showcase the excellence of God, who has given me all that I require for life. The God who has created me; given me hope, a future, and the promise of eternal life is the God who has set me apart for cherubic tasks, because I am created by God for God’s special purpose.
Today I take the time to meditate on who I am in Christ Jesus! I am a perfectly crafted masterpiece; God’s complete and thoroughly finished product. I’ve been set forth to manifest God’s glory; to show forth His praises to the world. My responsibility now is to be the best of me for God. There is no other like me, and will never be another like me. That’s how unique I am. Hmmmmm!
Practical Action
God has wonderfully created you and divinely ordained the days of your life. Stand in the sunlight today or by the mirror. When the warmth of the sun’s rays hit your skin, feel the refreshing joy of the warmth of God’s love renewing and recreating you. If you re by a mirror look at the reflection of God’s beauty radiating through you. Then, in either situation scrutinize yourself; invite the searchlight of God’s Word into your innermost thoughts and feelings and yield yourself to God’s ways. Since you can’t escape from God, commit yourself to holiness.
A Moment in Prayer
Lord, let the glory of your beauty radiate through me. Let the warmth of your love majestically enlighten me and all who encounter me! Thank you for making me a peculiar treasure, separated to you to bring you glory! I offer myself to you and affirm that by the power of your Spirit, your purpose for my life is fulfilled, to the glory and praise of your Name. Amen.
Contributed by Rev. Douglas Barnes