[1] O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. [2] You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. [3] You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. [4] You know what I am going to say before I even say it. [5] You both precede and follow me and place your hand of blessing on my head. [6] This is too glorious, too wonderful to believe! [7] I can never be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from my God! [8] If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the place of the dead, you are there. [9] If I ride the morning winds to the farthest oceans, [10] even there your hand will guide me, your strength will support me. [11] If I try to hide in the darkness, the night becomes light around me. [12] For even darkness cannot hide from God; to you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are both alike to you. [13] You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit them together in my mother's womb. [14] Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous-and how well I know it. [15] You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! [16] You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your book! [17] How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can't even count how many times a day your thoughts turn toward me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me! [19] Surely you will slay the wicked, Lord! Away, bloodthirsty men! Begone! [20] They blaspheme your name and stand in arrogance against you-how silly can they be? [21] O Lord, shouldn't I hate those who hate you? Shouldn't I be grieved with them? [22] Yes, I hate them, for your enemies are my enemies too. [23] Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. [24] Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
