Psalms 139:13-14 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. 

We are constantly tempted to think falsely of ourselves. Perhaps we exalt ourselves higher than the station God has given us. Or maybe we’re tempted to think of ourselves as less than nothing—a blemish in God’s view as He surveys the earth. I am convinced the reason for this is that the enemy realizes the threat we are when we find out who we really are and walk in it. So he tempts us with these delusions. 

Many people stumble about, drifting with the current, seeking only to make themselves reasonably comfortable as they pass through life. Little do they know they are wasting the most precious time available to any mortal being: the time that decides every moment of their eternity. A minute might contain the destiny of a million years. Are we content to let it slip by, untouched by God’s hand? 

Realizing We’re Fearfully And Wonderfully Made

If we can get a revelation of who we are, we can avoid this pitfall. The person who thinks of himself higher than he ought, might be busy building his own kingdom and none of what he does will have God’s eternal blessing on it. The person who views himself as a blemish in God’s sight, will perhaps wilt and wither until he is small and unnoticeable, hoping to escape the attention of God and people so no one beholds his wretched condition. This person is likely not to do much at all, whether of his own works or God’s and therefore also has little to show for of eternal value. 

If we understand that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, we will realize we have value. If we simply realize we were made and didn’t form ourselves, we should know not to esteem ourselves too highly. So these verses contain the cure for both extremes. 

So where is the balance? How do we walk fearfully and wonderfully? I don’t know every answer to this question, but I would think it would help to realize what makes us fearful and wonderful. And again, I don’t know everything that does, but starting with a few might help. 

The most obvious way in which we are fearfully and wonderfully made, is that we are made in God’s image. We walk around on this earth as miniature, albeit naturally flawed, replicas of God. Also, we are made with eternal spirits—we never cease to exist. But the most powerful thing that comes to my mind concerning this subject is the fact that we are the primary conduits for God’s glory to be shed abroad on the earth.

Vessels For God

There is no other means by which God chooses to affect the earth and reclaim it. The enemy already is on the earth, cast here by God in ancient times. But God’s dwelling is in heaven. His enemy is on earth, having plundered that which He created. So God has made a way through Jesus, for us to be filled with the Holy Spirit. And even more than that, to be overflowing with the Holy Spirit. That overflow is a powerful thing. It spreads and grows, multiplying and increasing in power. It is an unstoppable force as long as we are willing vessels.

The overflow manifests itself in fruits of the Spirit and gifts of the Spirit. Every time we display His fruit and His gifts, we are proving ourselves fearfully and wonderfully made. We are mere vessels, but we are His vessels! It is a humble, yet wonderful role. What a privilege to be a means for the King of Glory to do His work.

So as we walk the path laid before us, doing little things and big, let’s remember who we are. Let’s think of ourselves soberly and honestly. If we do, God can use us in fearful and wonderful ways.