I awake this morning with a mind to read Psalm 139. It is a familiar, well-loved passage.

But this morning, I am moved to tears as the old words become like fresh bread, still warm from the oven. Their truth quenches the thirst of my heart like living water.

I have lived some years and walked some roads.  I’ve climbed high mountains of victory and been in deep valleys of despair. Sometimes I have felt alone and misunderstood, wondering where God was in my tribulation.

I’ve asked questions with much weeping, wanting answers that would somehow make sense of life. The answers I waited for did not always come in a way I could understand. Instead I saw Who was my answer, the I AM

I see once again this morning, that a loving God has been there in it all. Planning for me, creating me, watching over me, protecting me, going with me, holding me, shining light around me.

I am struck with amazement and awe at this kind of care, commitment, and love for such as I. It is knowledge too wonder-filled for me to understand.

¹ Lord, You have searched me and known me. ² You know when I sit down and when I stand up; You understand my thoughts from far away.
³ You observe my travels and my rest; You are aware of all my ways. . . . 
⁵ You have encircled me; You have placed Your hand on me.
⁶ This extraordinary knowledge is beyond me. It is lofty; I am unable to reach it.

I have experienced love in a myriad of ways, gifts from a kind and generous hand. I’ve been amazed by grace.

Grace walked along side me, surrounded me, and held on to me when I could not hold on any longer.

Grace has been there with me all the time, in every circumstance of my life.

And grace will lead me home.

Sunday grace.