Known By You

Sep 3, 2026 | by Dr. Darren M. McClellan

Dear Friends,

As we approach this Labor Day weekend, I recognize that many will be seeking community in a variety of ways. 

Some will seize the opportunities to gather with friends and family for a last taste of summer. The image of a near empty ketchup bottle comes to mind, as we are determined to squeeze out all the goodness that we can.

For others, it may be just another day of trying to figure out what to do with ourselves. Alone with our thoughts, any number of emotions, aspirations, or memories may come to mind.

This Sunday in worship, we will be reading together from psalm 139. This is one of my favorite psalms, as it helps my understanding of a more beloved community. It is an undeniable word of accountability, and yet also assures that none of us are forgotten or overlooked in God‘s sight.

Recently, I have discovered a collection of prayers that are based on the psalms, written by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt. Interestingly, Ryan Whitaker Smith is the son of Michael W. Smith (whose music may have shaped your youth group days).

Here is their rendition of Psalm 139:1-18:

Lord, may I take comfort in the knowledge that I am known by You.

My rest, rising, ruminations,
are known by You.
My direction and digressions
are known by You.
My pondering and pontificating
are known by You.

I am
encircled, enveloped, embraced,
lost in wonder
at the thought that I am
loved by You,
seen by You.

You are with me in my wandering, my hiding,
my fear, my denial.

You follow me to the ends of the earth,
the deepest hell,
the highest heaven,
the gates of paradise,
the paths of the dead.

You find me on the dawn's horizon,
in the sea's watery grave.

When I am lost in darkness,
when my sight fails me,
I am led by Your unseen hand.

If You are with me,
what can stand against me?
Do You not see all things,
know all things?
Are Your eyes not eyes of fire,
piercing through the deepest dark?

My body was woven and spun
by the breath of God-
cell upon cell
threaded, laced,
spirited into being
in the shade of the womb-
Your image imprinted,
Your glory bestowed.

Never have I been a mystery to You;
Never have I been less than
fully known,
fully loved.

Before my eyes saw the light,
You saw me.
Before I learned to keep time,
You peered into my future,
Subscribed the arc of my life
On the tablet of Your heart.

Is it true that the King of Heaven and Earth thinks of me?
It is.

How often, Lord?
Too often to number.
Too frequently to count.

Why should I be graced with such an honor?
Because you are my beloved, and I delight to show you mercy.

Are you with me, every moment of every day?
I am.

Friends it does not take a biblical scholar to recognize that there is a lot happening behind that “I am.”

So often we wrestle with the question of whether or not we see God. But how conscious are we of the notion that God truly sees us? Is this a comfort or a concern? 

“Well, it depends on the moment and the situation” we say. 

Does it?

What difference does it make to pray to One before whom “no secrets are hidden”? Do you suppose that honesty in the face of Holy Mystery could be a means of maturity?

This Sunday’s message will invite us to reflect on “The Work in Progress” as it relates to our quest for community. There are obstacles to be sure, but there is also the opportunity for freedom. We can grow in our understanding and experience of Grace.

Therefore, wherever you may be this Sunday, I encourage you to tune in at some point, somehow, in some meaningful way.

Yours,
Darren