Psalm 139:14

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:

Marvellous are thy works;

And that my soul knoweth right well.

King James Version

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

New International Version

Prayer and Praise

Marveling at the Wonder of Our Creation

Have you ever paused to consider the incredible wonder of your own existence? The Bible, in its beloved 139th Psalm, invites us to do just that through these profound words:

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

These verses pack a powerful punch, brimming with awe, gratitude, and self-reflection. Let’s unpack the depths of meaning tucked within this elegant yet compact passage.

First and foremost, the psalmist expresses outright praise to God as the masterful Creator. There is a sense of reverent amazement at the thought of being “fearfully and wonderfully made.” This phrasing underscores the intricacy and complexity involved in forming each human life – something to be regarded with a sacred sense of awe.

We are indeed “fearfully made” – carefully knitted together by the skilled hands of the Divine down to the minutest details. From the mind-boggling information encoded in our DNA to the incredible sophistication of our biological systems, the human body stands as a profound testament to intelligent design. The more we study ourselves at biological and neurological levels, the more we are struck by the fantastic precision of our makeup.

Yet there is also something “wonderful” about how we have been shaped. The word used here in the original Hebrew tongue speaks of something unique, amazing, and distinctive. Each human life is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, mirroring the creativity and artistry of our Maker. We are set apart, bearing the unmistakable image of God unlike any other part of creation.

Notice how the passage transitions from the psalmist’s declaration “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” to the resounding affirmation “your works are wonderful.” There is an intimate connection drawn between the individual and the general works of God. This reassures us that the wonder we see within our own selves extends to the entire cosmos and all of God’s creations. The whole of reality brims with awe-inspiring splendor.

Finally, the psalmist concludes with a remarkably personal statement: “I know that full well.” These Spirit-inspired lyrics are clearly not empty platitudes or poetic musings divorced from experience. They well up from a profound knowledge deep within the author’s soul – a bold declaration of certainty. The truth of God’s power as Creator takes root in the very core of our being.

What a refreshing perspective in the midst of a world so often consumed with self-loathing, constant critique of human nature, or a purely scientific deconstruction of our bodies and minds. Psalm 139:14 invites us to set aside self-degradation and cynicism, and instead revel in the amazing reality that we have issued from the skilled craftsmanship of a loving and majestic God. Each of us, in our totality, is meant to evoke worship and wonder for our Creator.

So let these verses from the ancient psalms instill a sense of sacred confidence in your identity as God’s “feafully and wonderfully made” image-bearer. May you face each new day with the grounded assurance that your life, in all its complexity, Beauty and uniqueness, is something worth celebrating to its fullest.