Today I’m giving space on the blog to my friend Sheridan Voysey. I am a fan of Sheridan’s life and his work. {You should definitely pick up a copy of Resurrection Year if you haven’t read it yet — it’s an incredible read.}
Sheridan’s new book Resilient: Your Invitation to a Jesus-Shaped Life launches Wednesday October 21 (don’t miss the free giveaways here). Resilient is a book of 90 readings tracing the theme of resilience through the Sermon on the Mount and beyond. Here’s an excerpt.
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You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
Psalm 139:2
He knows you. He knows every detail and nanosecond of your existence—every atom, molecule, skin cell, and ligament; every hope, dream, interest, and achievement; every strength, weakness, gladness, and grief. He knows you intimately, through and through.
He knows every movement you will make today (Psalm 139:2–3)—every action, step, and pause for rest; every blink, glance, and breath. He knows when I will stop typing this paragraph, and when you will stop reading it. He knows everything about you, and he knows it thoroughly.
He knows every thought you will have today—every joy, question, doubt, and concern. Like a long-married husband who knows his wife so well he can finish her sentences, God knows the next word you’ll say before it’s left your lips (139:4).
He knows you, he’s familiar with you—he knows your complete personality. He knows your emotional triggers, behavioral patterns, your bad habits and comfort zones. He knows what you’re good at, lousy at, tempted by, and victorious over. He can unravel the intricate workings of your heart when you remain confused.
There is no rock large enough, no place far enough, no darkness thick enough to hide you from him (139:7–12). But why would you hide? Loneliness isn’t just the feeling of being alone, but of being surrounded by many and known by none. But he knows you. He’s the knowing One.
He was there as you were crafted in the womb (139:13–15). He remembers the headlines from the day of your birth, and knows the events to take place on your final day on earth (139:16). He knows what your future holds, and the pathways you will take to arrive there. He knows you.
In a world of global connections but ever-declining intimacy, of burgeoning cities with more and more alienated souls, of billions of individuals who secretly wonder if anyone really cares, here is a truth that heals and liberates:
The One who invites you on that hillside knows you.
He knows you through and through.
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Sheridan Voysey is a writer, speaker and broadcaster on faith and spirituality. His sixth book Resilient: Your Invitation to a Jesus-Shaped Life launches this Wednesday October 21, with a bunch of free giveaways to celebrate. Follow Sheridan on Facebook, Twitter, and subscribe to his newsletter for free articles, podcasts, and ebooks.
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