When my son, Josh, was going to a Christian school, one of his assignments was to memorize Bible passages. I remember spending one evening helping him memorize Psalm 139. What a powerful Psalm. After a few hours of working with Josh, he went to bed and then God started ministering to me through those ancient lyrics.
You have searched me, Lord, and You know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
You perceive my thoughts from afar.
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.
As I read those incredible lyrics, a melody came to me. For the next few hours I wrote my own version of Psalm 139 to the Lord. I remember the tears rolling down my face as the power of David’s words touched my heart. It is astounding that the God who created the heaven’s and the earth knows me. He loves me. His Spirit is always with me… how amazing!
My heart’s desire is to live a life that is pleasing to Him. The Psalmist David said it this way:
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
I love writing songs to God…
Psalm 139 (From the CD ‘God Is My Rock)
Oh Lord, You have searched my heart
And You know my thoughts, my ways
When I sit and when I rise
Oh Lord, before I speak
You know my words
Your ways are too marvellous for me.
Where can I go, Oh Lord
From Your Spirit?
Where can I hide
From Your Presence?
If I rise on the wings of the morning dawn
If I settle on the edge of the sea
If I go to the depths of the deepest sea
If I rise to the heavens above
Even there Your hands will hold me close
Even there Your hands will guide me
Mark Cole
© 1997 Mark Cole/GT Music
Question: Have you ever written a song? What inspired you?
Psalm 139: Mark Cole
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