O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. (Psalm 139:1-3)
Growing up, I’d always marveled at the way my mother always knew where I was and what I was up to. No matter where I was in relation to her, in the house or the yard, she could tell you what I was doing. While there were times that particular gift proved inconvenient for me, there were also times when it was a good thing.
It was still something I never understood—until I had kids of my own.
When I began having children, I got it. Although I still don’t know exactly how it works. I think it’s a fairly complicated formula consisting of two parts former child, one part familiarity with one’s own child, and one part instinct. Then it’s all mixed in with a dollop of divine inspiration.
With three active boys, I was glad to find it worked as well for me as it had for my mom.
It’s a parenting gift that also holds true with God, but His formula is simple: one hundred percent God.
I’ve always loved Psalm 139 and the way it details the care God lavished on us when He created us. These verses exemplify that trait in God the Father. But until my son went to war, I’d never considered it in relation to someone close to me.
READ MORE: COPING WITH THE STRESS OF DEPLOYMENT
When my son was away, I would pull out my Bible and pray these verses, substituting his name for every personal pronoun. Sometimes I’d write them out in my journal, letting the truth of these words bring me peace.
I encourage you to find the comfort God has for you within the pages of the Bible. His peace and comfort is close, all we have to do is reach out and take it.
