Never Unknown

O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. You hem me in--behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. (Psalm 139:1-10)

What incredible comfort in knowing that we are fully known by God! If He were not full of compassion and abounding in love, if He had not secured our redemption through Jesus, if He had not brought us to faith through His Spirit, it might be terrifying to discover that God knows our every thought, word, and action, and that there is no way we can escape from Him. But as those who know God’s compassion and promises in Christ, we rejoice in remembering that we are never alone and never unknown.  God is always graciously able to guide and guard us.

“Heavenly Father, thank you for creating, redeeming, and sustaining us through Your presence. Increase our trust and confidence that You are always with us, and open our hearts so that You can ever guide us, in Jesus’ name, amen.” 

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DEARLY DEPARTED…

A pastor accepted a new call and was saying farewell to his congregation.

As he greeted people for the last time, he shook the hand of an elderly lady.

She said "Your successor won't be as good as you." 

"Nonsense" said the pastor, in a flattered tone. 

"No, really" said the old lady, "I've been here under five different ministers.”

She continued, “Each new one has been worse than the last."