by Kala Loptien

Set Apart & Intimately Loved

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this Sound Cloud link.

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.
Psalm 139 ESV

For several weeks now, I’ve studied and parsed Psalm 139. Even in one Psalm, there’s much to learn and understand. God’s Word is very much alive — revealing the truth-filled messages we need to hear and renewing hope for each passing season of our lives.

For a whole host of reasons, I’m fixated on what David writes in Psalm 139. In grand poetic fashion, he acknowledges that God is the omnipotent, ever-present author and initiator of everything that ever came to be. Early in the Psalm, David says God has searched and known him. This is a beautiful depiction of the intimate and unrivaled relationship we have with our Creator. God has a full and complete understanding of who we are… and loves us still! We are secured by His sovereignty.

In my studying, I stumbled upon the Hebrew translation for fearfully and wonderfully. Often it seems a deeper knowledge of the original text leads to even greater understanding and reverence. There are a few Hebrew meanings associated with these words. But here’s the one that seems to fit: “to cause astonishment or awe.” We are in awe of all He has created. The translation of the word “wonderfully” here is so…well, wonderful. It means “distinct or set apart.” Wow. He knew when we would be created and set us apart even before we were fully formed. That is some next-level comfort for every stage of life.

From beginning to end, God is with us always. As David so eloquently explains at the beginning of the Psalm, no matter where he goes, God is there. He knows all our thoughts and has ordained all our days. What a privilege to be fully known and intimately loved.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado