Vol. 22 No. 04 January 27, 2020
This thought came to me recently: There are a lot of people in the world.
I know, not terribly profound, but what else do you think about when you are stuck in traffic on the freeway?
Here’s what it looks like to me
- Population of the world: approaching 8 billion people: 331,002,651 live in the United States. (Worldometer)
- 28.7 million people live in Texas
- 2 million live in the Austin metropolitan area
- 43,480 in Kyle, Texas
- 1294 people who have claimed me as a “friend” on Facebook (some of those are family)
- 11 people in our immediate family
- 2 of us are living in our home
Who are all of these people? Where are they going? Where have they been? What is it like in their part of the world? Are they happy, or are they sad?
Beyond the numbers, there is something even more amazing: God knows every one of us, and He knows us completely.
I have been very blessed to have met a lot of people. I have become acquaintances with some, become close with others, and grown to love and be loved by a select few.
But, even if I could figure out a way to count everyone who has touched my life in some way, the number would be minuscule in comparison to the 8 billion living in the world.
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31, NIV)
In Psalm 139, David describes the relationship God has with us in terms that are more intimate than my mind can comprehend. He has known us since before we came into being; He knows what we’re thinking before we think it; and He knows where we’re going before we go there.
Not only does He know us completely, He loves us completely and is always working to do what is best for us.
When I consider the numbers, it’s easy to feel insignificant and small. But when I consider His love and kindness, I cannot help but feel extraordinary.
I agree completely with David’s observation in verse 6 of the Psalm:
“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.”
______________________________
A Norvell Note © Copyright 2020 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved