Psalms 139:17
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
Psalms 139:17
This verse centers on the “precious” nature and vastness of God’s thoughts toward the individual. The psalmist is overwhelmed by the sheer number and goodness of God’s contemplations. The Hebrew term for thoughts can connote plans, purposes, and reflections that shape one’s life. The verse invites wonder at God’s character—how attentive and benevolent He is toward each person. The second line, “how great is the sum of them,” communicates that God’s care isn’t casual; it’s abundant and inexhaustible. The verse sits within a broader rhythm of praise, gratitude, and awe that characterizes the psalm’s trajectory toward trust in God’s oversight.
God’s thoughts toward us reveal His relational nature. He is not a distant ruler but a personal, loving Creator who contemplates our welfare. This has ethical implications: if God cares deeply for us, we ought to treat others with dignity and seek to honor God in how we live. It also invites believers to internalize God’s purposes into their identity, allowing His thoughts to shape how they respond to life’s challenges and opportunities.
- Practice meditating on a single verse about God’s thoughts toward you to anchor your day.
- When overwhelmed by negative self-talk, replace it with God’s countless loving thoughts about you.
- Use this as motivation to serve others, knowing God’s thoughts about them are abundant.
Cross-References: Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 40:5; Isaiah 55:8-9; Romans 11:34; 1 Corinthians 2:16