Acquainted with all my ways

Psalm 139:3

Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

Human words are inadequate and grossly feeble in expostulating this passage. God’s Word itself will provide every bit of nourishment and enrichment if we will mediate upon it ourselves. But let me, as the manner here is, to speak of some of the wondrous things contained herein. And, if for no other reason, may it cause the reader to hark back to the words of Scripture, and read it all over again with a fresh eye and a longing heart. How wonderful it is! Could there be anything more gracious than this coming from the heart of God—that He is acquainted with all our ways? He knows my downsitting and my uprising, and He understands my thought afar off! This truth is exceedingly delightful to a person who feels that others do not understand, and that others do not know. Yes, my friend, others may not know. But God knows! And He knows well! He is acquainted with all my ways! And further, we are told that there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. He knows and understands every thought before I think it, and knows every word before I say it. This is all that we need!

We are encouraged yet more by the truth that we cannot go from His Spirit, or flee from His presence—not that we would try. But His presence is always with us, in the good days and in the bad, in the struggles and in the triumphs, in the battles and in the victories. Dear friends, wherever you are, He is there. There shall His hand lead you, and His right hand shall hold you. We can say, “Thou art there!” And if you are ever tempted to give in to discouraging thoughts and despondent mood, always remember that He is with you. That will encourage you! He has beset you behind and before, and laid His hand upon you. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me! How precious also are His thoughts unto me! How great is the sum of them! Think on these great truths today!

Beloved, whatever you may be facing this very day, allow the Lord to greatly lift your soul and revive your spirit, as you ponder these wondrous words. For you see, God has told us that He compasses our path! He compasses our lying down! We are safe with Him. He is to the north and to the south and to the east and to the west. He is right, left, forward, and backwards. We are beset, we are compassed about, yea, we are fenced in and hedged in by His glorious love and care. He knows us! He knows our thoughts and our ways. He knows everything, my friend! He is acquainted with all your ways!

“Father, this morning you have brought us to a level of joy that we have missed out on most days, because we haven’t thought to ponder this truth. But by this blessed reminder, we know that you are acquainted with everything about us. We are in your care, attended to with the greatest tenderness by your loving hand, and known by you to the deepest level. Help us now to rest and rejoice in your presence, knowing that you truly are there at all times. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”