Beautifully and Wonderfully Made
Not many people stop to ponder the idea that all things in creation were "made." Many creations have been around so long that it's hard not to think they've just always been there. (Think: sequoia trees, canyons, glaciers.) Even humankind, though each of us has tread this earth for less than a century, for the most part, thinking back to the time of Adam and Eve requires broader consideration. But, when we take a look at a newborn baby, a tiny puppy, or even a hatching seedling, it might trigger notions of an active Creator. And especially when examining humankind, we should stand in wonder. HE made us. Not only that, but He made us in HIS own image. And considering Who God is, that's a pretty amazing spectacle to behold.
Understanding the Phrase Beautifully and Wonderfully Made
Let's start with where we first see the words "beautifully and wonderfully made" in the Bible. Of course, referring to Psalm 139:14.
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Verse Psalm 139:14
"I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well" (Psalm 139:14).
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Meaning
What does "fearfully and wonderfully made" mean? Is "fearfully" the same as "beautifully"? The term "fearfully" indicates awe, something done in holiness that should be revered. When we are told to "fear God," it is not expected or even desired to feel any horror. This term is not speaking of an emotion associated with punishment. As a matter of fact, the "fear" has little to do with us at all. Instead, it is an act of recognition of God's greatness. Because that greatness is also a recognition of His beauty beyond any description, the word "fearfully" can also be translated as "beautifully." It's a description of the impossibly replicated process of the creation of each being He creates.
The word "wonderfully" is translated from the Hebrew word pala, indicating distinction or separateness. You might consider thinking of this word less as "wonderfully" and more like "WONDERfully." Isn't it truly a wonder how each individual is so completely different than one another?
Therefore, the whole process of being "fearfully [or beautifully] and wonderfully made" tells us that as a human being, we were involved in a holy process where God – the Almighty Creator of the universe – had a unique plan to put together specific attributes into the person that we each are so that he could have a relationship with us. Who can reject such a gift?
Psalm 139 Biblical Context
Throughout Psalm 139, David extols God and all His wonderful works.
The term "fearfully and wonderfully made" makes a physical connection between the Creator and the created. HE is the one who personally crafted each being. The verse initiates the idea that God has not just declared that Adam was "very good," as stated in Genesis 1, but that every person since then was also a special creation to him.
David indicates that as a human, he was on par – or more so, even – than all of the creations mentioned before. Does God have a personal relationship with the sea or the sand? With night or day? With light or salt? No, they were all created for God's pleasure and for man as well. In such delight, God and his children can share a personal connection to the world all around them.
The Lord our God is even closer still than just a partner walking this life with us. Psalm 139 also tells us that God knows our very thoughts – before even a word is formed on our tongue (v. 4). We are told that He hems us in, much as a mother would protect a child, and lays His hand upon us, like a father would guide or show pride in a son. (v. 5). Most importantly, we see that it is God, personally, who knit us in our mothers' wombs and created our inmost beings. (v. 13) You really can't be more personally involved than that. The personal relationship with the God of the universe is so close that David proclaims the knowledge unfathomable.
David realizes that all these attributes put God above all others and that nothing matters more than his place in the Lord's standing. As David was writing this psalm, his enemy, King Saul, was planning his demise. David was chosen by God as the next ruler of Israel, and before he realized it, Saul was cursing him and preparing to kill him. And yet, through his troubles, all David can see is the remarkable fact that an even greater King was watching his every move and walking him through each step of his life's journey.
Living As God's Beautifully Wonderfully Made Creation
David's response to being beautifully and wonderfully made was to exclaim it to the world as a psalm. But the very idea of our wonderfulness is that we each have our own gift to give to the Lord to express our gratitude. Some will use their God-given gifts to create their own works of art for His glory, in music, in writing, in art, or something else. Others will thank Him by telling others about it, and still others will quietly show kindness to His children to give Him honor. But there are a few things everyone can do:
- Hold life (all human life) sacred.
No matter how old, no matter how young, every single person was created by God. Every person has a right to the incredible experience of knowing God's connection. No one should undo what He has done.
- Respect all designs.
All life has value. Lives that are different from yours were still created in a unique fashion by the Creator. He desires a relationship with each, and so no human should keep that from happening.
- Give God praise.
God desires your acknowledgment of what He's done for you – and He deserves even more than that. In prayer, in praise, or even by the words on your shirt, tell Him how thankful you are!
David was so amazed that the Creator of the world created him too, and so uniquely, that he could not help but cry out in praise to Him for his being fearfully and wonderfully made. Take time today to reflect on the impact such words have on you as an individual and live confidently, knowing God wants the same kind of connection with you. Wear your gratitude with boldness – shop our Beautifully and Wonderfully Made clothing and carry this powerful truth every day!