Indiana Wesleyan University
  • About

    About

    Indiana Wesleyan University is a Christian comprehensive university of The Wesleyan Church. The University was founded in 1920 as Marion College and is committed to liberal arts and professional education.

    Learn More!
    • Mission and Values
    • Diversity
    • Locations
    • Society of World Changers
    • Administration
    • News Center
    • IWU Profile
    • Student Consumer Information
    • Veterans
  • Academics

    Academics

    Indiana Wesleyan University offers over 280 academic programs, certificates and endorsements in business, technology, education, science, ministry, nursing and more. We offer program options online, on campus in Marion, IN, and at our onsite regional centers in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.

    Learn More!
    • On Campus Programs
    • Online & Regional Programs
    • All Programs
    • Colleges and Schools
    • Full-Time Faculty Directory
    • Centers & Institutes
    • Registrar
    • Transcript Requests
    • Academic Calendars
  • On Campus

    On Campus

    God has gifted you with a unique set of gifts—on purpose, and for the purpose of changing the world in a way that only you can. We are here to help you discover, clarify or develop that calling. The world is waiting.

    Learn More!
    • Admissions
    • Majors
    • Apply
    • Financial Aid
    • Student Outcomes
    • Visit Campus
    • Transfer to IWU
    • Life Calling & Career
    • Value of IWU
  • Online & Regional

    Online & Regional

    Whether your intent is to complete an associate degree, finish your bachelor's degree, prepare for special education licensure, enter the world of higher learning with a master's degree, pursue a doctoral degree, or earn one of our many certificates, our education programs are designed specifically for your busy lifestyle.

    Learn More!
    • Academic Programs
    • Admissions
    • Financial Aid
    • Online Experience
    • Locations
    • Transfer Students
    • Military Students
    • Request Info
    • Apply
  • Apply Now
  • Login
    (myIWU)
  • Athletics
  • Alumni
  • Giving
  • Wesley Seminary
  • More about Indiana Wesleyan University
    • Employment
    • Human Resources
    • Transcript Requests
    • IWU Bookstore
    • Jackson Library
    • WIWU TV
    • IWU Systems
    • Event/Conference Services
Theology and Ministry
  • Academic Programs
  • About Us 
    • Our Students
    • Faculty
    • Highlights
    • Careers
    • Our Alumni
  • Kern Program
  • Youth Ministry
  • Resources 
    • STM Blog
    • The Called Collective
Girl praying folding hands

An All-Intimate God

Sep. 01, 2020

By Rev. Jake Thurston // Kern Program Coordinator

Psalm 139 is one of my favorite psalms of all time. King David’s reflections here are filled with vivid imagery poetically expressing God’s power, knowledge, presence, creativity, and intimacy with his people—which includes you and me. Check out these first 6 verses of the Psalm:

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.

Notice how almost every verse refers to God knowing us in some way. He knows when we sit down, and when we rise up. He knows our thoughts, and when we go out. He knows the words we’ll say, and all the activities we’ll do. To top it all off, this “knowledge” God has of us is “too wonderful” and “too lofty” for us to comprehend.

This means that God knows what you have done, what you will do, who you are, and who you will become. He knows your hobbies, your habits, and all the funny quirky things you do. He knows all of you at a depth that exceeds the vastness of the universe. But he doesn’t know everything about you… he knows you. Personally. This reveals an incredible characteristic about God:

God is infinitely intimate.  And this is an amazing part of God’s divine nature.

In theology, there are what is known as the  “three omni’s” that describe God’s nature:

  • God is omnipotent (He is “all powerful”)
  • God is omniscient (He is “all knowing”)
  • God is omnipresent (He is “present everywhere, all the time”)

These three omni’s help us understand the infinity, sovereignty, and power of God’s nature, and we see all three omni’s present in Psalm 139. He is all powerful in creating the entire universe—including ourselves. He is all knowing in knowing everything about the universe—including ourselves. And he is all present at all places and at all times—including wherever we are.

However, on the surface, all this seems kind of… intimidating. An all powerful, all knowing God follows you wherever you go. That’d be the equivalent of the most powerful person in the world following you on your heals everyday. That’s a lot to think about, and certainly a lot of pressure as you go about your life!

However, there’s one other “omni” we can learn from this psalm: God is omni-intimate.

God isn’t just powerful, knows everything, and present everywhere we go. God is “all loving and intimate.” Not only does he know everything about our life, but he is deeply involved with our life. He cares about us intimately. He loves us passionately. He guides us every step of the way, and helps us get to where we need to be. Check out the next 6 verses of Psalm 139:

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.

God is omnipotent – he has everything under control. God is omniscient – he knows everything about us and knows everything that’s going to happen. God is omnipresent – he is with us in the highest of places and the lowest of places. And God is omni-intimate, graciously caring for us, loving us, and guiding us every step of the way in this life.

God knows you better than anybody, and he cares for you better than anybody. If you ever find yourself in a time of lowliness, darkness, or confusion, know that God is right there with you, and will give you exactly what you need when you need it.

 Next Post Previous Post 

Related Posts

Kyle Ferguson is baptized by Dr. Lo in
IWU Student Experiences Life Change in New Testament Course

Jan. 24, 2022

church roof and cross
You Can't Study For Ministry Without This

Jul. 01, 2020

circle of holding hands
To Seek and Pray For Shalom

Jun. 08, 2020

Ginger White Senior at IWU
4 Ways to Make Marion Home

May. 13, 2020

Most Recent

Pre-Health Care Sciences Program
Jan. 06, 2023
Donovan Edward holds his large scholarship check from the Indiana Broadcasters Association
IWU Communications student receives $5k broadcasting scholarship
Apr. 11, 2022
Collin Foote
Young IWU marketing alum establishes $1.5M business
Mar. 28, 2022
A photo portrait of Jonah Atkinson
IWU alum composes music for Xfinity Olympic commercial
Feb. 17, 2022
A photo of GE Digital CEO Scott Reese
IWU alum Scott Reese named CEO of GE Digital
Jan. 28, 2022
Kyle Ferguson is baptized by Dr. Lo in
IWU Student Experiences Life Change in New Testament Course
Jan. 24, 2022
Business students stand in a classroom presenting a check for the Grant County Rescue Mission
IWU business classes raise $2,885 for Grant County Rescue Mission
Dec. 14, 2021
Indiana University Wesleyan Logo
IWU Music Therapy grads earn 100% pass rate for certification board exam
Nov. 17, 2021

Indiana Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered academic community committed to changing the world by developing students in character, scholarship, and leadership.

More Info

  • Financial Aid
  • Wesleyan Students
  • Tuition and Costs
  • John Wesley Honors College
  • Athletics
  • Global Engagement
  • Study Abroad
  • IWU-Marion Majors
  • Student Handbook
Virtual Campus Map Schedule a Visit Request Info Apply Now

Indiana Wesleyan University
4201 S Washington Street
Marion, IN 46953

admissions@indwes.edu
866-468-6498

Facebook /indwes Twitter @indwes Instagram @indwes YouTube YouTube ZeeMee ZeeMee Parent Blog Student Blog LinkedIn LinkedIn

Legal Notices  |  Title IX  |  Employment

Indiana Wesleyan University

Copyright © 2023