Everyone who knows me well, knows that I love collecting shells: large or small, plain or fancy, rare or ordinary. Each time I travel to Florida, I get up at dawn’s first light and walk down the foliage-arched pathway to the beach and look for treasures.
Every shell is unique. God designed each one for a specific purpose: to keep small defenseless creatures safe from harm. Even though protection is a shell’s primary purpose, I think God made some just for me.
Each individual seashell has its own story. It may be common or very different, beautiful or plain, perfectly preserved or broken, but each one testifies of God’s intricate design.
Each one of us has our own story and are uniquely designed by God. Psalm 139 expresses God’s perfect knowledge of you and me. He searches us and knows us: our thoughts, our ways, our words, our fears, our paths, our days, and our hearts.
God promises to always be near. He searches for us, thinks of us, and guides us. He has designed each of us in our own unique way and gives each of us a unique purpose. Have you found yours?
Psalm 139 Lord, You have searched me. You know every part. You know when I move And the thoughts of my heart. You know all my ways, Both outward and in. You know all my words Before they begin. You keep me hemmed in Behind and before. Your hand upon me, How could You love more? Oh, where can I go? And where can I flee? Your presence is there. You’re always with me. Up to the heavens Or down to the sea On wings of the dawn Your hand will guide me. When darkness surrounds And all light is gone. Your presence brings glory. Your splendor shines on. In my mother’s womb You created me. Knit me together, Formed my tapestry. I praise You because I’m fearfully made. Your works are divine. Your glory displayed. Woven together In that secret place. My frame was hidden, But You saw my face. My days were ordained, Written in Your book You knew every path Every step I took. Precious are Your thoughts. The sum of them is grand. Counting one by one Outnumber grains of sand. Wicked men speak of You. Enemies I resent. Rising up against You, They have evil intent. So search me, O God. Know my every part. Test me and prove me. Feel my anxious heart. See if there is in me An offensive way. And lead me on the path To trust You and obey.