Scripture: Psalm 139

Aim: To remind the pupil that Jehovah God is the omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent God.

Golden Text: “Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me” (Psalm 139:5).

The truths set forth in this Psalm should deeply impress any who will carefully read it. Here, Jehovah God has set forth the truths of His omniscience, His omnipresence, His omnipotence and His sovereignty in this enlightening poem of 24 verses.

I. God’s omniscience is displayed first (vs. 1-7). Jehovah is the “all knowing God.” There is nothing that He does not know whether it is in the past, the present or the future. There is no possibility for any knowledge that is not already known by the Lord.

Here David expresses that Jehovah knows him completely. There is nothing hidden from God, nor can be hidden from Him. Jehovah God knows completely and thoroughly all that may be known about a person. He knows every detail of any possible knowledge about each and ever individual. No one can hide anything from the Lord. He has complete knowledge of all things, at all times and under all circumstances. Nothing any one does or thinks can be hidden from Him.

This is a blessed truth for the child of God. God knows all, yet loves and takes care of him.

II. God’s omnipresence is discussed (vs. 3, 7-12). Jehovah is the “everywhere, at all times, present God.” There is no possibility that there is any place where He is not present in all His character, at all times. Not only does the Lord know, He is always present.

It makes no difference where a person goes, God is there. There is no hiding from God. Men seek to hide all kinds of sins. Men may be successful in keeping others from knowing, but God knows the thought, the deed and the aftermath.

For the believer, this is a wonderful truth. God knows all the sin, hurt, need, etc., that each believer has. He knows, He feels, He cares and He is present to offer His comfort and aid in each and all circumstances. Praise the Lord!

III. God’s omnipotence is exercised in behalf of every believer (vs. 13-16). Jehovah is “all-powerful.” There is no power but His (Romans 13:1-3). His power is seen in this Psalm as creating a child from conception to the complete development and birth. He has kept a record of it all.

What a wonderful truth. God’s power creates universes, controls planets and their movements, keeps the oceans in check, uses the storms for His purposes, and, most of all, it is the Lord Himself that has made us. He it is that saves us from sin and evil, He keeps us in all of this life and prepares us, then some day, He will carry us away to be with Him.

It is wonderful to know that Jehovah God has made us, that He watches over us in all of life.

IV. God’s sovereignty ensures the perfect control of all things and persons (vs. 17-22). He is a marvelous truth. Jehovah God is the absolute King of all! He has charge of the wicked and the saved. He will reward each according to their response to Him. The lost will be punished for eternity while those who humble themselves and yield themselves to Him to do His will shall be rewarded with eternal life with Him.

The believer can declare with joy “How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them (vs. 17, 18).

The Psalm closes with a prayer, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts … and lead me in the way everlasting” (vs. 23-24).