Psalm 139 & Body Image: The True Meaning…

This post is all about Psalm 139:14 — fearfully and wonderfully made.

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I understand the body image challenges you face in today’s society — because I face them too… 

The constant comparisons and unkind voices can be overwhelming, but remember, you’re not alone.

As a woman who has battled negative body image, I empathize with your pain. If you’re anything like me, you’ve shed tears and felt everything from shame to guilt.

But God is sooo gracious — get ready to explore a journey that is vulnerable…

And more so than vulnerable — it’s a journey of love, acceptance, and connection with Jesus — the Lover of your soul.

Let’s unravel the truths within Psalm 139 — you are a masterpiece, created by a loving God…

Does Psalm 139 “Really” Talk About Positive Body Image?

In the depths of your struggle with negative body image, have you found yourself —

🪞 standing in front of the mirror…

💧 tears streaming down your face…

👀 desperately longing to see “beauty” staring back at you?

I know that feeling all too well…

Diet culture’s expectations and your own insecurities feel suffocating, right?

My beautiful friend, in the thick of the darkness, I promise, a glimmer of hope emerges…

God’s love and acceptance are the keys to finding true beauty and self-acceptance.

Let’s take a look at Psalm 139…

Psalm 139 is one of my favorites — and it’s very popular among women — for SO many reasons!

Let’s see if we share the same favorite parts 😊:

“You know me…”

• WOW!
• He knows every thought — even before you think it… 
• The fact that such a powerful God knows you intimately is humbling, don’t you agree?

It says, “Where can I flee from Your presence?” 

• It doesn’t matter how many steps you take away from God — because His grace abounds… His grace makes coming back to Him super simple — just one-short-quick step back into His loving arms…

God meticulously and thoughtfully crafted every single cell in your body… 

• (Even the parts you don’t like 😬.)

I could go on and on… But before I do, here’s a refresher… Psalm 139 NIV reads:

Psalm 139

1 You have searched me, Lord,

and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;

you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue

you, Lord, know it completely.

5 You hem me in behind and before,

and you lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me

and the light become night around me,”

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;

the night will shine like the day,

for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

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💖 Resources 💖

The Passion Translation is my favorite Bible translation! It’s super easy to understand and has just the right amount of ‘notes’ that explain the text.

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14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place,

when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;

all the days ordained for me were written in your book

before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God!

How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,

they would outnumber the grains of sand—

when I awake, I am still with you.

19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked!

Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!

20 They speak of you with evil intent;

your adversaries misuse your name.

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,

and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?

22 I have nothing but hatred for them;

I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.

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💖 Related Posts 💖

1. Finding Balance Between Faith and Wellness
2. What Is Diet Culture?
3. The Power of Grace: How to Overcome Self-Sabotage Through a Christian Perspective

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What verses warm your heart?

With respect to Psalm 139, you may have heard Psalm 139:14 quite a few times: 

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”

Such a beautiful verse, right?!

It’s one of the most popular Bible verses about body image… 

It gets better…

Here’s what King David’s beautiful — inspiring — words really mean. 

What is the Lesson of Psalm 139:14?

It’s a fact…

In the body image, body positivity, body acceptance, and body neutrality space, you will often hear, “I’m fearfully and wonderfully made…”

And this is 100% accurate!

Here’s the interesting part…

To fully understand the — you are fearfully and wonderfully made part — we need to take a look at the rest of Psalm 139.

On that note…

What is Psalm 139:14 talking about? 

(I’ll start off by saying I’m no theologian…) 

Let’s break down Psalm 139 into 4 bite-sized pieces:

1. Verses 1-6, we witness David’s recognition of God’s omniscience.
   • Omniscience means all-knowing.
   • God knows everything… His all-knowing nature extends to the very core of your being.
2. Verses 7-12, David reminds us of God’s omnipresence.
   • Omnipresence means ever-present.
   • God is everywhere at all times… His ever-present love never leaves you — no matter how far you may feel.
3. Verses 13-16, David celebrates God’s omnipotence and creativity.
   • Omnipotence means all-powerful.
   • His unmatched power in intricately crafting every part of your being.
4. Verses 17-24, the psalmist explores God’s justice.
   • The ultimate judge who searches your heart… 💖

Through this breakdown, you can begin to grasp the vastness of God’s love and His intentional design of your body and life.

“You Are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made…”

The phrase “fearfully and wonderfully made” highlights God’s craftsmanship and intentionality behind your creation.

It emphasizes that each person is intricately designed with great care and precision. 

You are purposefully crafted — with beautiful and unique qualities and attributes.

→→ → And here’s the caveat…

King David starts off this verse with the most profound, heartfelt, and wondrous adoration!

How? Here’s how — he exclaims, “I Praise You…” before anything else!

The truth is…

David acknowledges that GOD is amazing — David isn’t talking about how great David is!

The psalmist is in awe of the wonderful and extraordinary masterpiece that is the human body!

Your body is a marvelously complex system – capable of performing incredible feats and adapting to various environments. 

From the intricate functioning of your organs to the complex and beautiful details of your appearance, your body reflects the beauty and wisdom of its Creator 😊.

As you can see…

While the verse clearly states how wonderfully made you are — it does not proclaim that your body is beautiful because of how it looks…

So anything you do to “improve-change-fix” its appearance does not increase your value…

Your value is in your identity as a daughter!

Your body is a Master’s Piece — it was fearfully and wonderfully made, and it’s perfectly acceptable as it is — right this moment!

Remember, my beautiful sister — you are unique in every way 😊. No one can or will ever be as spectacularly amazing as you were designed to be because there is only one YOU!

In the depths of your struggle with negative body image, it’s vital to remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made — by a God who sees you as His masterpiece! 

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Prayer for Self-Acceptance

Ask God to shift your focus from societal standards and personal insecurities to embracing your unique beauty and worth as a beautiful daughter of God. 

That He may remind you — daily — that your body is marvelously complex, capable of incredible feats and reflections of the wisdom and beauty of your Creator.

Embracing your God-given beauty requires a journey of self-acceptance and spiritual growth, where you recognize that your worth goes beyond physical appearance and is deeply rooted in your identity as a cherished daughter of the Most High.

So even if you don’t “love” the body you’re in — because diet culture says you look different than what you “should” look like — give praise to God for the body He created for you — after all, you were created to worship 🙌.

“the people I made especially for myself, a people custom-made to praise me.”

Isaiah 43:21

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Psalm 139:13 Father knows best…

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

Think of a moment when you’re watching TV and all of a sudden you’re tearing up (or uncontrollably sobbing…).

It’s crazy how that happens, right? It’s just TV!

You know they’re actors, but… my goodness — some words just make you feel the strongest emotions (or is it just me?)

Well, I want to share something with you…

Just the other night, hubby and I were watching a show on Netflix and the guy asked…

“How do you know?”

And the man responds…

“Because I’m your father…” 😭😭😭

The TV became a background whisper — the tears trickled down my cheeks in slow motion.

Why did those 4 simple words — because I’m your father” — bring me to tears?

Because as much as you and I want to control — change — administer our body, you have a God that is your loving Creator and Father.

And “He knows”…

He is Omniscient. Omnipotent. Omnipresent.

God knows EVERYTHING!

Past — Present — Future

• God knows what led you to struggle with body image…
• God knows why you eat for comfort…
• God knows exactly why He created you as He did…

God is powerful!

Your beautiful, loving Father has the power to heal you of your negative body image, transform and renew your mind, and turn your miracle into a testimony — for His glory. 

After all — that’s why you were created — to give Him praise and all of the glory!!! 🙌

God is ever-present!

Your Abba Father is right there…

You have the Holy Spirit — waiting to comfort you as you navigate your struggle with body image issues and emotional eating. 

Yes, healing is available, and God is able. But, His time is also perfect…

The Holy Spirit — the best Counselor and Comforter you will ever have — will be with you and guide you as you make peace with your body image.

Nurture Your Heart & Mind

Before we part — your pursuit of self-acceptance is actually a spiritual growth journey.

That is why I want to leave you with a few practical steps to nurture your heart and mind.

1. First and foremost — engage in prayer and meditation. Seeking comfort in the presence of your loving Father — who longs to heal and restore you.
2.  Practice self-compassion. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would extend to your best friend.
3. Surround yourself with a supportive community that uplifts and encourages you. Reminding you of your inherent worth and beauty.
4. If needed, reach out to professionals who can provide guidance and support on your journey.
5. Trust in God’s perfect timing and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you as you make peace with your body image. You’re capable of remarkable growth and transformation, and with God by your side, you can emerge stronger, radiant, and filled with a deep sense of self-acceptance. 
6. And finally, embrace this journey with hope and faith, knowing that you’re fearfully and wonderfully made for a purpose beyond what your eyes can see.

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Thank you for joining me on this journey. You are loved, precious, and wonderfully made.