Psalm 139:1-3 – O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. (KJV)

In my spirit, I heard it as plain as day: "Cheryl, I know thee well." It didn't seem like an accusation, but it was a statement that went straight to my soul and pierced me deeply. I have never forgotten it!

I had been 30 years of age when I was saved, but prior to my salvation, I was well acquainted with sin. Thoughts of my life before Christ began to come to mind. Like many of God's children, my past was not as pure as the driven snow.

While I reflected on my past, the echoing effects from those five words, "Cheryl, I know thee well", made me feel like a child who was not only caught in the cookie jar, but had frosting on her face and cookie crumbs all over the floor.

I suddenly found myself naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. I couldn't hide, for where does one go to escape from God? How could I deny it? God does indeed know me well. With those words, I was weighed in the balances and found wanting. I was totally at the Lord's mercy.

Finally, when I was able to speak, I said, "Yes, Lord, what You say is true: You do know me well, but by Your grace, I have received Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour. His blood now covers me; old things have passed away; and behold, I am new. I am now therefore perfect in Your sight." A sense of peace then came over me.

Of course, God already knew that, but that experience became a reminder to me of just how important my salvation is. Also, I couldn't help but rejoice because I noticed that He called me by name.

I could not and would not want to face God without having been washed in the precious blood of Jesus.

I thank God that I have been saved, and will never have to be judged for my sins, "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV)

The best thing that I have ever done in my life was to pray a prayer something like the following — perhaps you would like to join me in praying it:

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and cannot save myself. I believe in Your death for my sins, and Your resurrection. I turn from my sin and I now choose to follow after You. Please wash away my sins with the blood that You shed at Calvary. I ask You, Lord, to come into my life. I receive You now into my life as Saviour and Lord. Thank You for saving me. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

If you have already prayed that prayer or one like it, then rejoice: Your name has been written in the Lamb's Book of Life!

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

Cheryl Mariano (Cheremiah) <cherylmariano@gmail.com>
Casa Grande, Arizona, USA
Send your feedback to the author