Lately, many of us have been feeling the weight of the world. I pastor a congregation in Washington, D.C. Many of my members work for non-profits or for the federal government. I find myself standing on a Sunday, my heart being torn apart because I can see the fear and disappointment on their faces. That’s when I want to loudly sing the words of a Psalm.
The beginning of Psalm 139 is one of my favorites. For two reasons: 1.) the Psalmist proclaims God is always with us, and 2.) we are assured that our worth comes from God, who knows us intimately even before we are born. I believe there is solace in these words.
The Psalmist sings praises to the wonder and creativeness of God. Knowing that there is a relationship between the one who praises and the one being praised. There is comfort in being known by God. Relief in knowing that the God the Psalmist proclaims is present no matter where we abide, no matter what we do.
This message is excerpted from the faith reflection “Psalm 139:1-18” by Andrea L. Walker in the March 2025 Café online magazine.
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