SR • July/August 2015
9
SR
God crafted us
All of us have read the creation accounts in the first couple
chapters of Genesis, so we know that God made us. Are
we aware, however, that God
crafted
each of us as an
individual? In David's conversation with God, as recorded
in verses 13–14 of Psalm 139, he says this:
For you created
my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s
womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully
made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
To craft something means to make it with skill, and with
careful attention to detail. Too often we try to value our-
selves by asking the question “What do I bring to the
table?” It’s important to be reminded that our value is
founded in our presence, not our performance. Society
values us based on
our
actions. God values us based on
His
actions. Since He crafted each of us in His own
image, each of us is of infinite worth.
God is connected to us
It makes sense that since God put intentional, focused
effort into crafting each of us, He experiences a deep
connection with us. This connection is seen in the fact
that He knows us. In verses 1–4 of Psalm 139, David says
this:
You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my
thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my
lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a
word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.
Our knowledge of a person connects us to that person.
God’s intimate knowledge of each of us strengthens His
bond with us.
We also see God's connection to us through His presence
with us. Continuing David’s thoughts from Psalm 139, we
read this in verses 7-10:
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the
heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths,
you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle
on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide
me, your right hand will hold me fast.
God doesn't follow
us around like a creepy stalker, asserting His control over
us. His constant presence is an expression of the pride
He takes in us. As a parent with His child, God experiences
joy in sharing His life with us.
God is concerned about us
Who are the people about whom you are most
concerned? Isn't it those people with whom you are
most connected? Whether our connection with some-
one is based on familial ties, a work relationship, or
an affinity group, a strong connection breeds a strong
concern. Since God experiences a deep connection with
us, He also has a deep concern for us.
We generally use the term love when we are discussing
God’s deep concern. Scripture tells us over and over
again that God loves us:
I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God’s unfailing love.
(Psalm 52:8)
“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt
I called my son.”
(Hosea 11:1)
God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through
the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
(Romans 5:5)
So foundational is God's love for us that it describes
not only His activity, but also His identity:
God is love.
(1 John 4:16)
Our amazing God has crafted each of us in His own
image. Do we truly understand what this says about how
valuable we are? Because of His deep connection with
us, God shares His life and love with each of us. Do we
share our life with Him? How can we strengthen our love
for Him?
