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Psalms 139:16
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- John Gill
John Gill Bible Commentary
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God!.... The word (r) signifies that which is scarce and rare, and not to be attained and enjoyed; see Sa1 3:1; the thoughts and counsels of God are impenetrable and unsearchable; he knows our thoughts, as Aben Ezra observes, but we do not know his, Psa 139:2; as well as it likewise signifies the worth and value of them; God's thoughts are infinitely beyond ours, and infinitely more valuable and more important, and are concerning our welfare and happiness: it is marvellous that God should think of us at all; it is more so that his thoughts should not be thoughts of evil, to bring that evil upon its we deserve, but thoughts of peace and reconciliation in and by his Son, in whom he was reconciling the world to himself; thoughts of salvation and eternal life, and of the way and means of bringing it about; thoughts to provide for our present supply in this world, and to lay up for us for the world to come; see Jer 29:11. It may be interpreted of the thoughts which David had of God in his meditations of him, which were sweet, precious, and comfortable to him; of his lovingkindness to him, covenant grace, precious promises, and gracious dealings with him; but the former sense seems best. The Targum is, "to me how precious they that love thee, the righteous, O God!'' and so the Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Ethiopic, Syriac, and Arabic versions render it, "thy friends"; how great is the sum of them! or "the heads of them"; that is, not the chief of thy friends, but the sum of thy thoughts, these in the bulk, in the general, are not to be counted; and much less the particulars of them, these are not to be entered into or described. (r) "difficiles", Cocceius; "quam rarae"; so some in Vatablus.
Psalms 139:16
You Have Searched Me and Known Me
15My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16Your eyes saw my unformed body; all my days were written in Your book and ordained for me before one of them came to be.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Don't Waste Your Life - Part 1
By John Piper4.1K08:47JOB 1:18PSA 139:16ECC 3:1LUK 13:1JAS 4:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of not wasting our lives and finding significance, power, and meaning in every moment, even in the midst of pain and suffering. It reflects on tragic events like natural disasters and challenges listeners to repent and not take life for granted, recognizing that our lives are in God's hands and we exist for His purpose.
The Use of Your Time
By Steven J. Lawson2.8K1:02:48JOB 14:5PSA 90:12PSA 139:16LUK 14:13JHN 15:5JHN 19:301CO 10:312CO 4:18EPH 5:16This sermon delves into the life and resolutions of Jonathan Edwards, highlighting his unwavering commitment to glorifying God, his perspective on time and eternity, and his preparation for death. Edwards' resolutions focused on living with an eternal perspective, making the most of time, and considering the pains of martyrdom and hell. His life exemplified a dedication to pursuing God's will and maximizing every moment for God's glory, culminating in his faithful death at a young age.
Walking With the Wind
By Manley Beasley2.6K39:08Spirit LedPSA 75:6PSA 77:19PSA 139:16JHN 3:8EPH 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of actively seeking and accepting God's plan for our lives. He uses the story of Gideon and the 300 men to illustrate how God can use ordinary vessels to reveal His glory. The preacher also shares personal experiences of how God's glory can be manifested even in times of physical weakness. He encourages believers to trust in God's plan and provision, reminding them that God's ways are often mysterious and beyond human understanding.
Becoming What You Are
By Manley Beasley2.2K28:46Self-ImagePSA 139:16JHN 19:28JHN 21:22ROM 8:281CO 1:2EPH 2:10PHP 2:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of facing the issue of victory in our lives. He refers to Psalms 139:16, which speaks about God knowing and writing the days of our lives before they even come to be. The preacher also mentions Ephesians 2:10, highlighting the need to experience this truth. He then connects these verses to the crucifixion of Jesus, specifically John 19:28-30, where Jesus declares "it is finished" before giving up his life. The preacher encourages listeners to recognize themselves as overcomers and to live a life of submission to God's will.
Schools Teaching Kids to Reject Bible
By Kent Hovind1.9K2:30:04ClassroomGEN 1:1PSA 139:16PRO 19:27ISA 66:1ROM 3:23ROM 6:232PE 3:3REV 4:11The video is a sermon transcript discussing the importance of teaching the creation story and the flaws in the theory of evolution. The speaker shares a personal experience of speaking in Russia and encountering a professor who had never heard the creation story before. He also mentions a missionary friend in Africa who is begging for people to come and share the creation story with the children in public schools. The speaker argues that the eye is a complex organ that could not have been formed through natural selection, as Charles Darwin himself admitted. He criticizes the way evolution is taught in textbooks, claiming that they present false information and manipulate the definition of evolution to deceive students.
The Eternal Purpose of God - Part 2
By Stephen Kaung1.8K08:47PSA 139:16PRO 16:4PRO 19:21ECC 3:1ISA 46:10JER 29:11ROM 8:28EPH 1:11COL 1:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing God's purpose to find meaning in life. It shares a powerful story of a woman who discovered the true meaning of life through understanding God's eternal purpose. The message highlights that without being connected to God's purpose, life can feel empty and meaningless, but once aligned with His plan, life gains profound significance and fulfillment.
(Youth Conference 2006) Be Faithful in These Little Matters
By Zac Poonen1.7K57:051SA 2:30PSA 139:16MAT 19:16MRK 10:17MRK 10:21In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the idea that our lives are predetermined by God. He shares a personal anecdote about how he believes angels intervened to protect him on the road. The speaker emphasizes the importance of accepting and embracing the circumstances of our lives, just as Jesus did when he was born in a humble setting. He also discusses the story of the rich young ruler from Mark's Gospel, highlighting the qualities of respect and desire for eternal life that the young man possessed. The speaker encourages young people to show respect to their elders and warns about the temptations of sex.
(The Works of Faith) God Loves Us as He Loved Jesus
By Zac Poonen1.6K1:14:20GEN 38:27EXO 12:6JOB 36:5PSA 139:16MAT 1:3MAT 6:33JHN 20:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. He encourages the audience to consider how they are spending their time and to make sure they are not living for things that will have no value in eternity. The speaker shares his own reflection on his 43 years as a Christian and urges the listeners to not make the mistake of living for temporary things. He highlights the significance of using one's life to build the Church of Jesus Christ and to fulfill God's plan, even in secular jobs. The sermon also touches on the resurrection of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the transformative power of these events.
Attributes of God - Omniscience, Omnipresence and Omnipotence
By William MacDonald1.1K37:06Attributes of GodGEN 17:1GEN 18:14EXO 34:23JOB 42:2PSA 139:16MAT 19:26LUK 1:37EPH 2:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that we are defenseless and surrounded by enemies, such as the Hittites, Hivites, Amorites, Canaanites, and Philistines. However, God promises to cast out these nations and enlarge our borders if we obey Him. The speaker highlights that God's power is evident in creation and in sustaining the universe. He shares a conversation with a scientist who couldn't explain what holds matter together, emphasizing the limitations of human knowledge. The sermon concludes by reminding listeners that man cannot successfully fight against God, and the speaker reflects on his own past struggle with being ashamed of Jesus.
God Is Perfectly Crafting the Circumstances of My Life
By Tim Conway1.0K01:38PSA 139:16ROM 8:282CO 3:18PHP 1:6JAS 1:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting that God is orchestrating every circumstance in our lives for our ultimate good and growth in Christlikeness. It challenges the tendency to feel forgotten or passed over by God, reminding believers that every situation is purposefully designed by God for their benefit and to conform them to the image of Christ.
The Dual Meaning of the Breaking of Bread
By Zac Poonen63016:13PSA 139:16JHN 6:38ROM 12:21CO 10:161CO 11:24EPH 2:8HEB 10:51JN 3:16This sermon delves into the profound meaning behind the breaking of bread and partaking of the cup, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's mind through His word for life transformation. It explores the significance of Jesus' body being broken for us, symbolizing His complete surrender to God's will, and challenges believers to follow His example by denying their own will and embracing God's plan for their lives. The sermon also highlights the vertical aspect of the cross, surrendering to God's will, and the horizontal aspect, emphasizing unity and sacrificial love among believers in the body of Christ.
(Clip) Are You Proud God Moment by Moment Upholds You
By Charles Leiter61603:37PSA 139:16PRO 16:9PRO 27:11CO 4:7JAS 4:6This sermon emphasizes the profound impact of God's providence on our lives, highlighting the fragility of our existence and the need for humility in recognizing that everything we have and are is sustained by God's merciful providence. Various examples are given to illustrate how quickly circumstances can change and how easily we can lose what we take for granted. The message urges listeners to acknowledge the grace that has brought them to where they are and to guard against pride, as every aspect of our lives is upheld by God's providence.
Why Do We Exist?
By Ernest O'Neill0PSA 139:16ISA 9:6MAT 25:31JHN 1:31CO 12:27EPH 1:4EPH 2:10COL 1:15COL 1:17Ernest O'Neill preaches about the profound truth that before the creation of the universe, God conceived a Son like Himself who would also be the origin of the human race out of sheer love. This Son, Jesus Christ, is both God and Man, the Eternal Son of God who is also the origin of all humans, keeping us alive by His present life. Our existence began as part of the Son of God, and our goodness comes from Him while our sins are borne by Him. Christ, the first-born human, is the great human race, and our lives originated in Him, with Him already knowing the plans He has for us.
January 28. 1678. the Womb of the Morning, and the Dew of Youth.
By Jane Lead0PSA 110:3PSA 139:16EPH 6:12JAS 5:16Jane Lead preaches about the transformative power of the eternal Morning Light breaking through the darkness of our minds, conceiving pure life within us. She shares a personal revelation about invoking the celestial dew to renew and restore youth and strength, overcoming fears and concerns through earnest faith and prayer. Jane encourages the congregation to strive together in prayer to stir up divine power, gaining dominion over adversities and conspiracies.
Israel's Happiness
By J.C. Philpot0DEU 33:29PSA 139:16ISA 26:6ROM 9:62TI 1:9HEB 5:4J.C. Philpot preaches about the unique blessings and privileges of God's chosen people, Israel, emphasizing their salvation by the Lord, who is their shield of help and sword of excellency. He delves into the spiritual meaning of Israel, saved by each Person of the Trinity, and the need for God's protection against enemies, both internal and external. Philpot encourages believers to trust in God's promises, including the defeat of enemies and the ultimate victory over high places, through humility and faith.
When Were You Born?
By Ernest O'Neill0PSA 139:16JER 1:5MAT 25:34ROM 8:29EPH 1:4EPH 2:10COL 1:152TI 1:9REV 13:8Ernest O'Neill delves into the profound truth that each of us was originally created inside the Son of our Creator before being born into this world, emphasizing the infinite capacities of God. The Bible reveals that before creation, God existed above time and space in timeless eternity, with Jesus Christ being the first-born of all creation. Our lives were foreseen by God before the foundation of the world, indicating that we are not products of chance but integral parts of His Son's body, designed for eternity.
My Times
By Thomas Brooks0Trust in God's TimingGod's SovereigntyPSA 31:15PSA 37:5PSA 139:16PRO 16:9ECC 3:1ISA 41:10JER 29:11ROM 8:28PHP 4:61PE 5:7Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound truth that all aspects of our lives, including sorrows, comforts, miseries, mercies, dangers, and duties, are under God's sovereign control, as expressed in Psalm 31:15. He highlights the significance of the word 'times' in the plural, indicating that every moment and season is orchestrated by God. This understanding encourages believers to trust in God's timing and providence in every situation they face.
God's Prerogative - Rom. 8:28
By Bernard Fell0PSA 139:16ISA 64:8JER 29:11ROM 5:8ROM 8:18ROM 8:282CO 12:9JAS 1:21PE 5:10Bernard Fell preaches about the assurance that all things work together for good for those who love God, emphasizing how God weaves both good and challenging experiences in our lives to fulfill His will and create a beautiful pattern. He uses analogies like a surgeon's knife saving a life, head-winds guiding a ship to port, and heavy weights in a clock making it chime to illustrate God's transformative work in our lives. The sermon highlights how God's love and justice intersect at the cross, turning brokenness into blessedness and bitterness into sweetness, ultimately bringing out the best for His children from seemingly difficult situations.
Look Up
By Erlo Stegen0Trusting God's PlanFaith in TrialsPSA 116:15PSA 118:24PSA 139:16PRO 3:5PRO 16:33ISA 40:31AMO 3:6LUK 21:28Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of looking up to God during life's storms, using the story of a sailor who found stability by focusing on his captain's voice. He reminds us that God ordains all events, and trusting in Him leads to renewed strength and purpose. Stegen highlights that understanding God is beyond human comprehension, and true acknowledgment of Him brings peace and clarity. He reflects on the nature of death for Christians, portraying it as a gain, and encourages believers to remain steadfast in faith, especially during difficult times. The sermon concludes with the assurance that we will reunite with loved ones in heaven, emphasizing God's loving nature.
Unfailing Love
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 34:18PSA 139:16JER 31:3ROM 5:81JN 4:10Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the profound love of God, emphasizing that our love for God is a response to His initial love for us, as demonstrated by sending His Son to atone for our sins. The imagery of a blind child reaching out to feel its mother's face is used to illustrate our faith reaching out to God. George MacDonald's words express the idea of trusting in God's unchanging perfection even when our own love is lacking, knowing that His love will ultimately restore and transform us. Francois de La Mothe Fenelon encourages those who feel unworthy or unlovable to believe in God's relentless and unwavering love for them.
History Augmented by Future Hope
By Bryan Anthony0PSA 139:16AMO 5:241CO 15:541TH 4:16Bryan Anthony preaches about the profound hope and promise found in the Bible, emphasizing that the meaning of history is rooted in the promise of the future and the anticipation of eternal life. He highlights how the Scriptures provide a vision of a transformed world where God dwells among men, war ceases, righteousness prevails, and justice flows endlessly. Anthony encourages believers to reject hollow hopes in temporary things and embrace the hope of resurrection life, where death is ultimately defeated. He reminds listeners that every day is significant when viewed through the lens of God's promises, urging them to find meaning in the assurance of a glorious future.
Joy in God's Providence
By Jared Waterbury0PSA 139:16PRO 16:9MAT 10:29ROM 8:28ROM 15:13PHP 4:11Jared Waterbury preaches about the doctrine of a particular providence as taught in the Bible, emphasizing the belief that not even a sparrow falls to the ground apart from the will of God, and that every detail of our lives is noticed and numbered by the Almighty. This doctrine, when practically recognized, becomes a foundation of joy for the pious man, bringing God near and acknowledging His hand in the minutest affairs of life without diminishing His dignity as the Creator of all. By interpreting the will of God in all aspects of life and trusting in His providence, the Christian finds consolation, encouragement, and joy, even in the midst of dark and disastrous circumstances.
Your Cup of Life
By Ed Wrather0PSA 139:16JHN 13:10ROM 12:1PHP 2:51PE 5:6Ed Wrather preaches on the concept of surrendering to the 'cup' of life that God has given us, drawing parallels between Jesus' acceptance of His sacrificial mission and our own acceptance of life's challenges. Through the example of Peter cutting off the high priest's servant's ear and Jesus' response, we see the contrast between worldly reactions and God's perspective. Failure to surrender to our circumstances can lead to various issues like stress, anxiety, and addiction, emphasizing the importance of yielding to God's plan for our lives.
The Quality of Our Life Is More Important Than the Length of Our Life
By Zac Poonen0Quality of LifeFulfilling God's WillEXO 23:26PSA 91:16PSA 139:16ISA 38:1MRK 4:8JHN 17:4Zac Poonen emphasizes that the quality of our life, defined by fulfilling God's will, is far more important than its length. He illustrates that some can accomplish God's tasks in a shorter time than others, and that our earthly lifespan is predetermined by God, not by human standards. Poonen warns against the folly of seeking to extend life unnecessarily, as seen in Hezekiah's case, and encourages acceptance of God's will regarding our time on earth. He highlights that while we can pray for longevity, it should be with the intention of serving God more effectively. Ultimately, our focus should be on living a life that glorifies God through obedience and purpose.
Unity & Diversity
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 21:2PSA 139:16AMO 3:3JHN 17:20ROM 12:51CO 1:10EPH 4:31TH 4:9HEB 5:7J.C. Philpot preaches on the importance of manifested union among believers, as prayed for by Jesus in John 17, emphasizing the visible unity and harmony that should exist among God's people to glorify the Father and testify to the world. While differences may exist, the underlying substantial union among the living family of God far outweighs them, resembling the unity within the human body despite external variations. Philpot challenges the current state of visible unity among believers, questioning if the churches truly exhibit the love and harmony that should mark them as followers of Christ, urging a deeper reflection on the manifested union among God's people.
- John Gill
John Gill Bible Commentary
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God!.... The word (r) signifies that which is scarce and rare, and not to be attained and enjoyed; see Sa1 3:1; the thoughts and counsels of God are impenetrable and unsearchable; he knows our thoughts, as Aben Ezra observes, but we do not know his, Psa 139:2; as well as it likewise signifies the worth and value of them; God's thoughts are infinitely beyond ours, and infinitely more valuable and more important, and are concerning our welfare and happiness: it is marvellous that God should think of us at all; it is more so that his thoughts should not be thoughts of evil, to bring that evil upon its we deserve, but thoughts of peace and reconciliation in and by his Son, in whom he was reconciling the world to himself; thoughts of salvation and eternal life, and of the way and means of bringing it about; thoughts to provide for our present supply in this world, and to lay up for us for the world to come; see Jer 29:11. It may be interpreted of the thoughts which David had of God in his meditations of him, which were sweet, precious, and comfortable to him; of his lovingkindness to him, covenant grace, precious promises, and gracious dealings with him; but the former sense seems best. The Targum is, "to me how precious they that love thee, the righteous, O God!'' and so the Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Ethiopic, Syriac, and Arabic versions render it, "thy friends"; how great is the sum of them! or "the heads of them"; that is, not the chief of thy friends, but the sum of thy thoughts, these in the bulk, in the general, are not to be counted; and much less the particulars of them, these are not to be entered into or described. (r) "difficiles", Cocceius; "quam rarae"; so some in Vatablus.