To be known
To be known.
A popular cry in our culture, catching momentum from the words of some of today’s popular authors and speakers. Everyone desires to be noticed, recognized, known, revered, respected, treated like they belong. This desire shows up everywhere in culture, from social media to business to sports teams. We all desire to be known.
But, there is a deeper, foundational truth much greater than the desire to be known by our fellow man. A truth independent of mankind. A truth that, if recognized, changes your mindset, your soul, the trajectory of your life.
God knows you.
From beginning to end, this is the story of the Bible. God does not live independently from man. God created, knows, and lives with man.
David said this about God.
O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Psalm 139:1-3 ESV
Paul reminds us that God knows us before we are born. He sets us apart.
But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; Galatians 1:15-16 ESV
Jesus, repeatedly told us that He knows us, is with us, loves us during his time on earth.
“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 ESV
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:12-13 ESV
We need to be reminded of the truth that God knowing us is the best gift, greater than being known by others.
Perhaps there is no greater time to be reminded of this truth than in the midst of storms. During the difficult times of life, we need to be reminded that God knows us. And, God will remind us of this truth as we face the storms. He reminded Paul of this truth during the valleys of his life.
Once, Paul was in jail in Jerusalem, with people literally trying to kill him, God reminds him that all is well. God knew the situation and was in control.
The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” Acts 23:11 ESV
Earlier in the book of Acts, God again reveals Himself as Paul was in a dire situation in Corinth, being persecuted by those against Christ.
And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” Acts 18:9-10 ESV
As Paul experienced, at no time is the truth that God knows you more needed than in the valleys of your life. The unexpected dips, the unforecasted storms that will arise in everyone’s life.
We will all face the storms. Adrian Rogers said that you are either in a storm, coming out of a storm, or headed to a storm. In these storms, “to be known” by mankind is not important. What matters is that the Creator of the storm knows you. The One that holds the key is watching.
In one of my greatest storms to date, I went to God to pray. In tears, I had no words, but He did. He recounted the words of Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always, even until the end of the world.” Jesus quieted the storm in my soul with the comfort of His presence. God knew me. And, from this personal storm, the truth has always been impressed in my heart. When my world is in turmoil around me, He is with me. He knows me.
We all have the pull to be known by mankind, but let us remember and remind each other that the greatest need, the greatest truth is that we are already known by someone far greater.
Let this truth settle your soul today. God knows you.
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