by the Rev. Charlie Dupree
This past Sunday, we heard from Psalm 139. This psalm is known as an “individual psalm of thanksgiving.” If psalms run the emotional gamut ranging from joy, to anger, to regret and lament, this psalm is about intimacy. There is an individual closeness between God and the psalmist. It’s not about a distant, fleeting relationship. It is about a direct knowledge. There is one line that stands out. In verse 13, the poet says to God, “I will thank you because I am marvelously made.” Some scholars offer another translation . . . “I am extraordinary. I am unique. I am striking.” The aim is to acknowledge that God has, in each of us, created something new, unique, and beautiful.
This psalm is an important reminder that we are unique, and known. We can try to escape into the depths of the oceans, or fly away, but everywhere . . . God.
In a book titled Tales of the Hasadim, Martin Buber, an early twentieth-century Jewish philosopher, offered these words concerning the relationship between God and humankind:
Where I wander – You!
Where I ponder – You!
Only You, You again, always You!
You! You! You!
When I am gladdened – You!
When I am saddened – You!
Only You, You again, always You!
You! You! You!
Sky is You, Earth is You!
You above! You below!
In every trend, at every end,
Only You, You again, always You!
You! You! You!
See you in church,
Charlie+ (he/him)