God Knows and Loves You Deeply

Father Lee reflects on the message of Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17; God Knows You

by Father Lee Davis on May 28, 2024

God Knows and Loves You Deeply

In our chaotic world, it can be easy to feel a bit insignificant. However, in this Sunday’s Psalm, we are given the assurance that we are not insignificant. God knows and loves each of us deeply. This beautiful Psalm reminds us of God's intimate knowledge, constant presence, and purposeful creation of each of us.

Psalm 139 begins with a powerful declaration of God's omniscience: "O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away" (verses 1-2, NRSV). These words tell us that God is not distant or detached. He knows every detail of our lives, from our daily routines to our innermost thoughts. In a world where so many feel misunderstood or even unseen, these verses assure us that we are fully known by God. God knows our struggles, joys, fears, and even our words before we even speak them! How comforting to know that we are never alone in any of our experiences; and that God is always present in each of them.

In verse 5, it is emphasized that God is always with us: "You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me" (NRSV). This verse illustrates that God continually surrounds us with His presence, providing protection, guidance, and leading us to the right paths. We just need to listen! No matter what is happening in our lives, God is there. His presence is filled with unwavering love and support. Even though life can sometimes feel overwhelmingly dark, Psalm 139:12 reassures us, "Even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you" (NRSV). In God's presence, even the darkest moments are transformed by His light.

This verse gives hope that no situation is too dire for God to illuminate. Even though it may be hard for us to see at the moment, we are told that we can trust God to see us through the darkness and that God will guide us toward the light.

But perhaps one of the most beautiful aspects of the Psalm is its affirmation of our purposeful creation. "For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb" (verse 13, NRSV). Not a single one of us is an accident or an afterthought. God created each of us intentionally with care and with purpose. Remember that each of us is a masterpiece in God’s creation, designed with a unique purpose.

As you meditate on these verses, let them sink deep into your heart. Remember that you are fully known, constantly surrounded by God’s presence, and purposefully created. In every situation, God’s light can break through the darkness, and His vast wisdom is always at work in your life.

I hope that as you embrace these truths you find peace in the knowledge that God loves you deeply and is intimately involved in every aspect of your life.

Tags: love, god, light

About the Author
Father Lee Davis

After a diverse career in marketing and finance and a sudden realization of the love and power of God that he discovered aboard a Navy ship, Father Lee Davis has the distinction of being baptized, confirmed, and received for Holy Orders on the same Sunday. He studied at Bexley Hall Seminary in Columbus, Ohio where he received a Master's of Divinity degree in 2009 and then served as priest-in-charge of St. Andrew's in Hollywood, Florida as well as an assisting priest at St. Benedict's in Plantation. Father Lee also worked as a Hospice Chaplain. When he left after a little more than two years, St. Andrew's had grown in membership and under his guidance extended its outreach into the community. He was also a pivotal leader of the Jubilee Center of Hollywood, a vital outreach ministry to the homeless and hungry, and served on the Board of Directors for St. Lawrence Chapel, serving the homeless in Pompano Beach. He also served on several diocesan committees working with the youth of the diocese.


In December 2012, Father Lee was called as rector of St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Damascus, Maryland. During his 8 year tenure there the vestry of the parish noted that "His dynamic leadership, inspired preaching, creative ideas and compassionate pastoral care combined to bring a new level of excitement, commitment, and growth among the congregation." Through his leadership, he developed partnerships with other organizations in the community, helped establish a transitional home for victim's of domestic violence, began the process of developing affordable senior housing on some of the acreages of land owned by the church, and grew stewardship achieving their first balanced budget in over a decade. At the beginning of the COVID pandemic, he led the congregation into the development of an online presence and with a couple of dedicated lay members started a feeding program for families in need which continues today. He served in the Diocese of Washington DC helping in the implementation of a Diaconate Formation program as well as being on the Board of Directors of the Washington Episcopal Clergy Association and serving on the Diocesan Executive Council.


Amidst the COVID pandemic, Father Lee accepted the call to be our rector and began his tenure in September 2019. His leadership has already blessed our community.

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