by Natalie Lynn Borton
I moved to Austin several weeks ago and have been surprised by how difficult the transition has been. I thought it would be easy, smooth and effortless to live in such a beautiful and energetic place, but I confess it’s been a big struggle for me to get comfortable and adjusted. I find myself being overly introspective and self-critical, mostly as a result of my discomfort and lack of control. Through this rough patch, I’ve been grateful for the kindness and love of Brian (my husband), the few girlfriends I have here in town, and my friends from afar who have prayed for and encouraged me each day.
I share this with you to give you context—so that perhaps you can relate to the position I’ve been in and connect with those feelings of isolation and frustration. I also share because today I finally found some real, true comfort for my sadness. In the quiet of the morning while sipping my hot cup of coffee, I cracked open my bible to my very favorite bit of scripture—and the foundational scripture for Wonderfully Made—Psalm 139.
I read it a few times, letting the words wash over my mind, heart and soul. Then I took out my journal and pen and wrote out verses one through eighteen, word for word. Each word I wrote soothed something deep inside of me, and reminded me that I am known, cared for, loved and valued.
Below is the scripture for you to read (as well as our WM video of it for you to watch) in whatever moment of quiet you can get today. It’s a scripture that never gets old, loses relevance, or becomes cliche. It is peace-giving, lovely, and true and I hope it impacts your morning the same way it has mine…
1 You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
Is this scripture comforting to you today? How so?
