KNOWING THAT WE ARE KNOWN

When we know someone really well, we sometimes say that he or she is an open book. Often, children are open books to their parents.

For many, being known by God as Psalm 139 has it, is a good thing; precious even. It gives them a sense of safety; reassurance that we can never fall deeper than God’s hands.

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

Yet, for others it has something scary…that closeness; this ‘being known’. It may depend on how private we are: the more private, the less we are prepared to share thoughts, feelings, experiences, and so the choice is often made to control how well we are known to others.

However, the Psalmist spells out that, in relation to God, we do not have that control. With what tone does the Psalmist speak? With awe and wonder… Without any fear… With gratefulness…

The fact that no aspect of his or her life goes unnoticed; is unknown by God; does not have His attention is incomprehensible for the writer of this Psalm. Let it be known that Psalm 139 is not about rational knowledge but relational knowledge. It is not knowledge about cold facts. It is knowledge by which each child is carried and cherished by Him: immersed in Love.

Nothing of our lives is unknown to God. He knows us with a Love that is deeper and wider than the ocean. And in that Love is no room for fear. The opposite is true: His Love drives out fear and comes in His own, often quiet ways.

The same quiet way in which His Son was born. Love is vulnerable and that is exactly what God was prepared to be in the birth of His Son Jesus.

Therefore, as the time of preparation for Christmas is starting, let not our attention be drawn away from that one Gift of all gifts from the Giver, who knows us and wants to be known by us.

May God’s blessings be with you and your families this Christmas and in the New Year.
Susan