My Story

The first part of Psalm 139 is about remembering what is true, that God has searched us and knows us! What we are seeking is not something new but something known. The following exercise is designed to help us recognize this truth throughout our story by remembering God's knowledge of us at a particular moment.

Step 1 | Confess & Read

Confess what you have experienced, but sometimes forget: "O LORD, you have searched me and known me!"

Now read Psalm 139:2-12

Step 2 | Choose A Memory 

The psalmist recognizes God's knowledge of him in three different "places."

• When God knew what he needed before he could ask or act (v. 2-5)

• When God was present at the "heights" of life—his passions and successes (v. 8-10)

• When God was present in the "lows" of life—his anxieties and failings (v. 11-12)

Which "place" is the Holy Spirit drawing you to? Don't try and force it. Give yourself a minute for a memory to come to mind

Step 3 | Remember 

Now read the verses that correspond with the "place" you remember God was with you. Then let the details of the memory in that place come into full view in your mind. Give yourselves a couple of minutes to remember.

Step 4 | Reflect

Now, with the memory coming to the forefront, consider the following questions:

• What were the circumstances (what, when, where, with who)?

• What made you aware that God was with you?

• How would you describe what you felt after you knew God knew you?

Write down your answers.

Step 5 | Pray & Rest

Finally, use the following prayer to lead you into a time of gratitude and wonder and rest in God's knowledge of you:

"Father, you investigate my life; you get all the facts firsthand! I am an open book to you..."