By Dr. Al Hearne II

God is Wonderful! In Psalm 139:14, King David declares, "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." David's powerful affirmation of God's creative majesty also acknowledges that all of God's works are wonderful. This declaration shows that God created with intention; nothing created by God is mere happenstance. God created people with a divine purpose.

It is easy to misunderstand the meaning of the words fearfully and wonderfully in Psalm 139:14. Fearfully is not about being afraid, the emotion of fear, or being in a state of fright. Instead, fearfully means to hold in awe or reverence, while wonderfully means to set apart for distinction. God created people with reverence to be set apart, distinct from all other aspects of creation. Only people, as either male or female, did God imprint with His divine image. God is wonderful because he created us as his divine image bearers, ultimately to bring glory to Him. No other part of God's creation can praise Him like we do.

God created people for a purpose. No aspect of our creation is by chance. God designed every cell in our bodies. Take a moment and think about any part of your body. For example, your skin has blood vessels, muscles, nerves, sensors for heat, sensors for cold, sensors for pressure, sweat glands, and nerve endings. In addition, your skin protects you from bacteria, sickness, and disease. It helps to keep your bones and organs from being damaged. Your body was designed to protect you and help you implement the gifts, talents, and abilities that God has given you. 

God's intentional design extends beyond the physical aspects of our being; it encompasses the depths of our minds, the vastness of our emotions, and the height of our personalities. In Psalm 139:13, just before David's proclamation of being fearfully and wonderfully made, he marvels at the intimate involvement of God in the formation of his innermost being: "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb."

God's craftsmanship goes beyond the surface; it runs to the center of our being. Every thought, every emotion, and every intricate detail of our personalities are woven together by God's divine hands. We are each unique, a blend of strengths and weaknesses, which we use to fulfill our callings. God designed each of us "to walk in Good works, which He prepared beforehand" (—a plan that unfolds as we walk in obedience to Him.

Consider the talents and gifts that distinguish you. Whether it be the ability to create, inspire, lead, or comfort, these are not accidental traits but intentional endowments crafted by the Master Artist. Ephesians 2:10 reinforces this truth: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10).

David's words remind all people of all time that our existence did not happen by random chance. Instead, our existence is due to God's intentional act of divine creation. God is wonderful because He created each person to be His masterpiece. This truth should instill a deep gratitude, awe, and reverence for God, who crafted us with such care.

Take a moment and reflect upon the meaning of "fearfully and wonderfully made" in Psalm 139:14. Does this understanding deepen your appreciation for God's creative intentionality? In what ways does this perspective shape your understanding of your own identity and purpose? 

[The oil painting, "Adam and Eve Were Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" was created using DALL-E.]