September 6

Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Jeremiah 23:24.

God knows all things. He knows all events of the past, the present, and the future. All our thoughts and plans lie uncovered before Him. Thus we read in Ps. 139: "Lord, Thou hast searched me and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine up- rising; Thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou com- passest my path and my lying down and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, Thou knowest it altogether. . . . Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in Thy book all my members were writ- ten, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them."

God knows all things without making inquiry. All things are naked to Him. His eyes are in every place. He knows all our thoughts. He knows our every transgression. We therefore keep aloof from sin, because we know that everything is known unto God; everything is opened unto His eyes. We know that He is a Judge of our thoughts and of the secrets of our hearts. We there- fore pray with David: "Who can understand his errors? Cleanse Thou me from secret faults."

However, this truth, that God is omniscient, also affords us sweet comfort. God knows our every need. We may confidently trust in Him, the Omniscient, whose "eye is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy." God's infinite omniscience is all the more comforting because it is an infinite wisdom. "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowl- edge of God!" By wisdom He formed all the works of creation, in

wisdom He planned our salvation, in wisdom He guides us throughout our life to a blessed eternity. He says: "I will guide thee with Mine eye." Psalms 32:8. Therefore answer with David, Ps. 25: "Unto Thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in Thee; let me not be ashamed."

Prayer.

O Thou omniscient Lord and God, in Thee I live, move, and have my being in life and death. I will praise Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wise and marvelous are Thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well. Thou wast my Stay when I was in my mother's womb; my substance was not hid from Thee when I was made and curiously wrought. Thou hast nourished and kept me; Thou hast protected my life in manifold ways and guided me by Thy omniscience, for which I sincerely thank and praise Thee. Amen.

Thy grace that ever floweth, O Father, what is good Or evil ever knoweth To mortal flesh and blood. What to Thine eye all-seeing And to Thy counsel wise Seems good doth into being, O mighty Prince, arise!