O Lord, Your eyes do search and seek me out.
You know completely me, my life entire.
You see each time I sit or move about,
Discerning from afar each thought, desire.
Observing as I travel or repose,
Acquainted even while my ways transpire.
Ere speaking with a word I did compose,
O Lord, You fully know; I am espied.
Behind me and before, You do enclose.
Your blessed hand upon me does abide.
Such wondrous knowledge that amazes me!
Beyond my grasp it is; I’m mystified!
Can I escape or run away or flee
To where Your Spirit cannot see or go?
Your highest heavens – there – I will find Thee!
And truly You are down there in the depths below.
And if I face the dawn to soar the wind
Or settle on a foreign shore – You know.
And even there I find Your hand will tend.
Indeed, Your right hand guards and holds secure.
But should I say “The darkness is my end!
The light deceives me as a night impure!”
To You! Yes, You! The dark is just benign –
No darkness deep enough that could immure –
To You! Yes, You! The nights are days that shine.
All dark is light since You remain divine.
For You created all my inmost parts
And knit my flesh within my mother’s womb.
I praise You for I’m made by Your great arts.
Your works are wonderful! My mind’s consumed
With knowledge that my soul has learned so well.
My flesh You watched while in that secret room.
You wove me tightly while in depths I dwelt.
Beholding me, You saw my shapeless frame.
Residing in Your book, the words foretell
My days, my deeds ordained before each came.
How precious are Your thoughts, O Father God.
I cannot count these thoughts that You proclaim.
Yet should I try, I’d travel far abroad
To find Your thoughts outnumber all the sands.
And when I wake I’m with You and I laud!
O slay the wicked of the wicked lands!
Be gone you men who drink men’s blood for thirst –
The lies they speak – how can Your ears withstand?
They mock Your holy name as if it’s cursed.
Do not I hate the ones who hate You, Lord,
And those within rebellion are immersed?
These enemies, yes, I have long abhorred!
But, search me, God, and know my heart to see
Anxiety and thoughts that cause discord.
Reveal offensive, wicked ways in me
And lay Your lasting ways til I see Thee!
Jared Travis 