January 6: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV)
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."
Picture a master artisan,
Bent over a loom, weaving thread after thread with deliberate precision. Every color, every strand chosen with care, crafting a masterpiece that tells a story. Now imagine that artisan is God, and the canvas is you. That’s the image painted by Psalm 139:13-14—a declaration of divine intentionality and love. Have you ever paused to consider the weight of this truth? That your existence is not random, your design not accidental?
In a world obsessed with superficial measures of worth—beauty, productivity, status—this truth speaks to the deepest need of our hearts: to know we are valuable simply because we are His. Let’s unpack this powerful passage and rediscover the wonder of being fearfully and wonderfully made.
The Divine Craftsman
The psalmist begins with a breathtaking affirmation: "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb." (Psalm 139:13) The imagery here is striking—God as a master craftsman, intimately involved in every detail of our creation. The word "knitted" suggests not just technical skill but personal investment, care, and creativity.
In the ancient Hebrew context, to "form" or "create" something implied ownership. God isn’t a distant architect—He’s a hands-on Father. Consider the implications: you are not a product of chance or merely biological processes. Every cell, every feature, every quirk was designed with intention. Even your struggles and imperfections—things we might view as flaws—are part of His sovereign design.
When my daughter asked me once why her eyes were brown and not blue like her friend’s, I told her about the infinite creativity of God. “He chose brown for you because He knew they’d reflect His light in a way no one else’s could,” I said. Isn’t that a beautiful truth for all of us? God’s fingerprints are on every part of our being.
Fearfully Made
What does it mean to be "fearfully" made? The Hebrew word used here, yare, often translates as awe or reverence. It’s the kind of wonder that causes you to catch your breath. This isn’t fear in the sense of terror, but rather an overwhelming recognition of majesty and power. Think about the human body—how it heals itself, how the heart pumps unceasingly, how a single strand of DNA holds more information than the most advanced computer systems.
Science and faith are not at odds here; they harmonize to showcase God’s creative genius. Dr. Francis Collins, a renowned geneticist and Christian, once described the human genome as "the language of God." Isn’t it astonishing to consider that the same God who spoke galaxies into existence also wrote your genetic code?
Yet, being "fearfully" made isn’t just about biology. It’s about identity. When you feel inadequate—too this, not enough that—remember that the Creator of the universe handcrafted you with awe-inspiring intent. Your worth isn’t rooted in comparison but in divine design.
Wonderfully Made
The psalmist doesn’t stop with "fearfully." He adds "wonderfully," emphasizing the uniqueness and beauty of God’s creation. The Hebrew word pala conveys the idea of being distinct, set apart, extraordinary. This counters one of humanity’s greatest lies: that we must conform to find worth.
Social media often pressures us to curate lives that meet arbitrary standards. But God’s Word declares something countercultural: you are already extraordinary. When He made you, He broke the mold. There will never be another you. And that’s not just a nice sentiment—it’s a theological reality.
As a magician, I’ve often marveled at how audiences react to sleight of hand. They gasp, not because they’ve seen magic, but because they’ve seen something rare and unexpected. Isn’t that how we should view ourselves and others? Not as ordinary or mass-produced, but as wonders—each of us a reflection of God’s creativity.
A Soul’s Recognition
"Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." The psalmist shifts here from describing God’s work to proclaiming its impact on his inner being. This isn’t just intellectual acknowledgment; it’s a deep, spiritual awareness. When was the last time your soul recognized the wonder of God’s works—in you, in others, in creation?
It’s easy to let life’s trials overshadow this truth. Perhaps you’ve experienced rejection, failure, or the sting of someone’s harsh words. But Psalm 139 reminds us that our value is not up for debate. It’s rooted in who God says we are. And when we embrace that, our soul finds rest.
For me, this truth became personal during a season of single fatherhood. There were days I felt like I was failing—as a dad, as a provider, as a believer. But in those moments, Psalm 139 became a lifeline. God whispered, “Adam, you’re not defined by your shortcomings. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.”
Living in the Truth of Your Design
How do we live out the reality of being fearfully and wonderfully made? Here are three practical steps:
Practice Gratitude for Your Design: Take time to thank God for how He made you. Write down three things you appreciate about your body, mind, or personality—not because they’re perfect, but because they’re purposefully designed.
Speak Life Over Yourself and Others: Refuse to engage in self-deprecating talk or comparison. Instead, affirm the truth of Psalm 139 in your life and the lives of those around you. Compliment someone today—not just on their appearance, but on a God-given trait you admire.
Serve as a Reflection of His Glory: Recognize that being wonderfully made carries a responsibility. Just as a masterpiece reflects the skill of its artist, our lives should point back to our Creator. Use your unique gifts and personality to glorify Him.
Resting in God’s Truth
Can you hear God’s voice whispering to you today? “My child, I made you with care. I see you, I love you, and I have a purpose for you.” Imagine the freedom of embracing that truth. No more striving for approval. No more doubting your worth. Just resting in the knowledge that you are His masterpiece.
The world will always try to diminish your value. But when you stand firm in the truth of Psalm 139, you declare, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works, O Lord, and my soul knows it very well."
Join us for the FaithLabz 30-Day Prayer Challenge, where we dive deeper into truths like these and build a stronger foundation in God’s Word. Discover resources to help you live confidently as God’s masterpiece. Let’s walk this journey together.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for creating me with intention, care, and love. Help me to see myself as You see me—fearfully and wonderfully made. In moments of doubt, remind me of Your truth. Let my life reflect Your glory, and may my soul rest in the knowledge of Your perfect design. Use me, Lord, to affirm others in their worth and to point them back to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you have made it this far, then YOU ROCK!
Here’s a free 30-day Prayer Challenge to get you started and today’s song! Much love and God bless you, my friend!
