Psalm 139 (Were I To Cross)

Devotional

This is a paraphrase of psalm 139 which expresses amazement and praise of a God who knows, loves and cares for his people intimately. The psalm is often used for sentimental reasons, a kind of “warm-fuzzy-God-is-always-there-like-my-guardian-angel” thing. However, consider how the psalmist seems also to be expressing that God is inescapable- even if we wanted to escape him, we can’t. This realisation becomes a source of reverent joy and he goes on to say, in effect “How wonderful to be hemmed in on every side by this wonderful God”. The psalmist also takes a moment to express an emotive response to those who hate God. He cries out “oh that you would slay the wicked!” That’s not a verse you’ll see on greetings cards. Nevertheless – it is worth considering what precipitates that kind of strength of feeling. I grieve to hear Your enemies Speak hatred, Lord, of You Long though they scheme with ill-intent Their days are numbered too This language is a call for justice, a response to seeing the holiness and perfection of God juxtaposed with the evil of godlessness. When you have witnessed the extent of the depravity that comes from rejecting God, it is likely that whatever patience and grace you had would run out far quicker than God’s. That God shows this kind of patience towards his enemies is mind-blowing. Before we judge the psalmist for this seemingly bloodthirsty emotion, we should consider whether we have the same perspective on the injustice of sin and godlessness which David had. Should our music not reflect the indignation and wonder that we ought to feel?