“Fearfully” means made with reverence and honor. “Wonderfully” means set apart and unique. Every person is made this way.
In God, we are loved, cherished, honored and purposefully made. That’s our true identity in him.
We can respond to the truth found in Psalm 139:14 by speaking truth over ourselves, honoring and caring for our minds, bodies and souls and affirming the worth of others.
What “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made” Really Means
The beautiful phrase “fearfully and wonderfully made” is found in Psalm 139:14. This verse, written by King David, is part of a song of worship to God.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. — Psalm 139:14, NIV
To understand the incredible truths behind these words, we must go back to the language they were written in: biblical Hebrew.
Fearfully: The Hebrew word for “fearfully” is yare, which translates to “fear.” While it can be used to describe fear during scary circumstances, it’s also used to describe reverence or deep respect and honor. This is the meaning in Psalm 139:14.
Wonderfully: The Hebrew word for “wonderfully” is palah, which means “to distinguish” or “set apart.”
In this part of David’s psalm, he praises God for making him unique, with deep respect and honor. All of us were formed by God in this same way. Nothing about us is accidental, but everything is intentional, from the way our hair grows to the talents we have.
To be “fearfully and wonderfully made” by our heavenly Father means we’re all irreplaceable and have incredible worth and value.
What Can We Learn From Psalm 139?
Psalm 139:14 and the rest of the verses are more than just pretty words strung together. They’re powerful words written by a man who had experienced their truth in his own life over and over again.
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. — Psalm 139:16, NIV
As a boy, David had been overlooked. He was the youngest son, the one who simply tended the sheep. But when God sent the prophet Samuel to choose the next king of Israel (1 Samuel 16), he didn’t send him after a mighty warrior. He didn’t send him after the strongest or the oldest. God sent him after the one he had created to be king: David.
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. — Psalm 139:8, NIV
Before he could take the throne, David spent many years fleeing the current king, Saul, and often hiding in harsh places like caves to protect his life. Even in the darkness and fear, God never left David’s side. After all, David had a God-given purpose that no one could take from him.
You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. — Psalm 139:1-2, NIV
After becoming king, David faced many challenges and made many mistakes, including adultery. As our all-knowing heavenly Father, God knew King David would fall short.
But God was faithful to forgive him and continued to work through him, uniting the tribes of Israel and preparing a lineage that would give us Jesus, our Messiah.
Our Identity Is Found in Our Heavenly Father
From King David’s life, we learn this truth: Our true identity is in God. As a boy, David was seen by many as insignificant. As a man, they saw him as just another sinner. But David was fearfully and wonderfully made with purpose, on purpose, by a God who loved him, cherished him and honored him.
Loved. Cherished. Honored. Purposefully made. That’s your identity in the heavenly Father too.
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” — Psalm 139:13, NIV
Francisco: Finding His God-Given Identity in Brazil
The same God who breathed purpose and identity into David is doing the same today. And Francisco from Brazil knows that truth full well.
When Francisco gazes at himself in the mirror, he sees a face and body unlike anyone else’s. Across his body are the marks of ichthyosis, a condition that causes dry, thickened and scaly skin. It’s a condition he has lived with all his life.
Managing the skin condition is especially hard where Francisco lives — Northeast Brazil, one of the hottest and driest areas in the country.
“Francisco’s skin is constantly peeling and covered in patches. If he plays outside during the day, by evening he can hardly walk. Sometimes his skin becomes so dry that it cracks and bleeds. It often brings him to tears. Still, despite it all, with God’s help, he is an incredibly strong boy.” — Luciana, Francisco’s mother
Pain That Goes Deeper
Francisco is no stranger to pain, especially that of discrimination. People often stare at his skin or move away just to avoid touching him. Some people look at him with pity and even disgust. Sometimes he wishes he was invisible.
But some pain goes deeper, even preventing him from learning and growing.
Because of his medical treatments and need to avoid sun exposure on especially hot days, Francisco used to miss school. Sadly, even despite his hard work, his progress slowed.
Luciana pleaded with her son’s school, asking them for additional support. None was given. She even asked his teacher to simply allow him to sit closer to a fan in the classroom to protect his skin. The teacher refused.
“I pleaded many times for support. I’ll never forget the day the principal told me, ‘Your child may be special to you, but here he’s just like every other student.’ After that day, I gave up taking Francisco to school.” — Luciana
Finding Identity at the Compassion Center
Luciana was introduced to the local Compassion center by her sister. The center immediately began to support Francisco through home visits, arriving with educational activities and other care.
When the time came for Francisco to attend the center activities in person, he was scared. The discrimination he’d faced had scarred him deeply.
“Before welcoming Francisco to our center, we spoke with the children and explained that he was born with a physical difference, but there was no reason to be afraid. We wanted to ensure that bullying was not repeated in our space.” — Ediane, Compassion center tutor
Although Francisco felt unsettled and a bit overwhelmed in the first few weeks, with each kind word and hug given at the center, he slowly began to bloom. He started making friends and getting involved in the activities.
“I really enjoy coming to the center because I get to play with my friends. My favorite friends here are Miguel and Gabi.” — Francisco
Now, Francisco is learning and growing quickly. His tutor, Ediane, focuses on helping him develop his reading and writing skills, offering the hands-on support he needs and deserves. His child sponsor also sends him encouraging letters and gifts, ensuring he feels known and loved.
“My son has been rejected in many places, but it’s not his fault he was born this way. The center is a safe place for him. I can leave him there without worrying, because I know he will be treated with love, patience and kindness. He even has a sponsor who cares about him.” — Luciana
Most importantly, Francisco is learning about Jesus and how his worth is found in Christ. He’s learning that he is loved, cherished, honored and purposefully made, no matter his differences.
The shy boy who once wanted to become invisible is walking with growing confidence. He knows he was fearfully and wonderfully made for a purpose by a God who loves him.
How You Can Respond to the Truth in Psalm 139:14
Just like King David and Francisco, you are fearfully and wonderfully made. How can you respond to the truth found in Psalm 139:14 today?
Speak Truth Over Yourself
You’ll notice that King David started this verse with “I praise.” Psalm 139:14 should be a declaration of praise to God for making you well, not a mere suggestion. So say it out loud!
For example, each morning as you get ready in the mirror, recite Psalm 139:14. This will align your heart with the truth that you are valued, worthy and loved before the world even has a chance to say otherwise.
Honor and Respect Yourself
Caring for yourself is caring for what God carefully crafted. Honor and respect his creation by caring for your mind, body and soul.
For example, rest when you need to and eat nourishing meals. Don’t criticize yourself but speak gently to yourself and go to God when you make mistakes. Take time to read your Bible and pray.
Remember: Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish — it’s acknowledging the truth found in Psalm 139:14.
Affirm the Worth of Others
Jesus spent time with an outcast, a Samaritan woman, affirming her value. He spoke to a hated tax collector and had dinner with him, affirming his worth. As followers of Jesus, we should follow his example.
Today, consider how you can affirm someone’s God-given value and worth. Maybe you could send an encouraging text to a friend letting them know they’re loved. Or maybe you could show a simple act of kindness to a stranger.
Help a Child See Their God-Given Value
Here at Compassion, we believe children are created in the image of God, bearing immeasurable dignity and worth. Their suffering grieves our heavenly Father’s heart, and, as we feel the same grief, we feel compelled to act on their behalf.
That’s why we serve children living in poverty, offering them the love and care they need to thrive. By becoming a child sponsor, you can join us in that work. Your yes to sponsorship tells a child they’re loved and valued, regardless of what their circumstances say.
You are intentionally created, deeply known and endlessly valued by your heavenly Father. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Today, embrace that identity and be inspired to help others see it in themselves.
