Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

On a particularly difficult day, a friend of mine sent me a text message which lifted my spirits. In it, she reminded me that the body is a miracle in and of itself; it has this amazing capability to heal itself.

Earlier this year, I needed to undergo surgery to deal with a problem that had bothered me for several years. While in the pre-surgery conversation with the anesthesiologist, something tugged at my heart, and I felt the need to revisit my decision.  Even though our conversation had ended with a ‘see you on Wednesday morning,’ the scheduled day of the surgery, I was unsettled.

That afternoon, I took time to pray and reflect on the conversations I had had with the doctors, my test results, and the uneasiness in my spirit. By the end of the day, I was convinced that I needed to consider alternative means of dealing with the problem, and I wrote the hospital an email, cancelling the surgery booking.

Eventually, I found an alternative treatment that did not involve surgery or medicine – but functional movement and release techniques to bring the body to a place where it could heal itself. This was no quick fix, and it was going to take a whole shift in the way I think, move, and nourish myself. The idea of a total shift seemed daunting, and it was while I was grappling with self-doubt that the text message from my friend came.

What a relief that message brought! What a reminder of the miracle of us – God’s creation.  At that moment, Psalm 139: 14 came alive.

‘I will praise you, because I am fearfully and wonderfully made’.

And praise I did, but one thing bothered me; what exactly does the ‘fearfully made’ part mean? Reflecting on the intricacies of the human anatomy, the incredibly complex ways in which the brain and heart function make it possible to appreciate the wonders of the human body; however, the ‘fearfully made’ part eluded me and I sought to understand what it meant.

The phrase ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ from Psalm 139:14 evokes a sense of awe about God’s craftsmanship in creating human beings. This verse invites reflection on the intricacy, intentionality, and sanctity of life as divinely ordained. Understanding this phrase requires delving deeper into its Biblical context and theological interpretations.

According to David Guzik’s Enduring Word Commentary, ‘fearfully’ conveys reverence and awe, while ‘wonderfully’ highlights uniqueness and distinction. Guzik explains that this duality underscores the miraculous and sacred nature of human creation, urging believers to honor their God-given identity.

According to Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible, the psalmist expresses profound gratitude and wonder for God’s work in creating humanity. Henry emphasizes that God’s omniscience and omnipotence are evident in the formation of every individual, affirming that our existence is not a product of chance but of divine intention.

John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible delves into the spiritual implications of this verse, emphasizing that humanity reflects God’s glory through both physical and spiritual dimensions. Gill argues that recognizing oneself as ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ is integral to understanding one’s purpose in God’s grand design.

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary provides further insight, suggesting that Psalm 139 calls believers to acknowledge God’s intimate involvement in their lives. It highlights that God’s work is perfect and purposeful, inspiring confidence and humility in the believer’s walk of faith.

This reflection on Psalm 139:14 brings to mind three things: divine ownership and purpose, stewardship, and surrender.

1. Divine Ownership and Purpose

Psalm 139 reminds us that we are intentionally created by God, intricately designed for His purposes. Similarly, 1 Corinthians 6:19 teaches that our bodies are not our own but are temples of the Holy Spirit, meaning they are meant to reflect God’s holiness.

2. Stewardship of Our Bodies

Since we are fearfully and wonderfully made, we are called to honor our bodies—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Neglecting our bodies through stress, resentment, or unhealthy habits contradicts the sacred nature of God’s creation in us.

 3. Resilience Through Surrender

Our Lord Jesus’ invitation to rest (Matthew 11:28-30) aligns with these verses: rather than bearing unnecessary burdens, we thrive when we accept that we are fearfully made for a divine purpose and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us.

Sometimes, when we ask God to heal our bodies and do not see the healing, it is good to pause and ask ourselves whether we are asking for what we already have or—worse—whether we are compromising our healing by not taking care of our bodies as we ought to. In 1 Peter 1:3, we are told that His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.

God’s design is complete. His design of us (Psalm 139:14) and His provision (2 Peter 1:3) ensure that we are fully equipped to obey and fulfil His purpose. What we need is the transformation that comes from renewed minds.

Reflecting on these verses reminds us that our lives are part of God’s intricate plan. Recognizing Him as the one who made us ‘fearfully and wonderfully’ and who calls us to be faithful stewards of our bodies (the temple of the Holy Spirit) encourages us to live with purpose, gratitude, and a deeper reliance on God, our Creator.

The emphasis is not on the creature – but on the creator, hence ‘I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made,’ – and fully equipped to fulfill God’s purpose on earth.

Sources:

• Guzik, David. Enduring Word Commentary. “Psalm 139.” Enduring Word, enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-139/.
• Gill, John. Exposition of the Bible. “Psalm 139.” Bible Study Tools, www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/psalms-139.html.
• Henry, Matthew. Commentary on the Whole Bible. “Psalm 139.” Bible Gateway, www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Ps.139.14.
• The Expositor’s Bible Commentary. Edited by Frank E. Gaebelein, Zondervan, 1976.

Scripture quotations are from the NIV Bible.