Heaven Knows
Grab a hot cup’a something and come sit with my beautiful sister, Rachel Cain, as she shares her heart with us! You’re going to love what she shares:
Have you ever received an unforgettable gift that makes you feel seen, heard and known? A gift that wasn’t directly requested, but demonstrates that the giver has been observing and listening is extraordinary! Whether it’s your favorite chocolate that your kids give you or a surprise cup of your preferred coffee or maybe a pre-planned day trip centered around some of your favorite spots, there’s just something about feeling known.
God’s Word reveals an anchoring truth to us in Psalm 139:1 where David cries out, “Lord, You search me and You know me.” In my younger years, for some reason I would quickly pass by that opening verse to get to the one further down in the chapter where it declares that we’re, “fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image.”
But then in a quiet moment of devotion, I was taken aback by the idea of verse one. Linger with me. Firstly, God searches me. That reassures me that He sees all of me, not just the parts I willingly show Him. I find great comfort in the realization that there is no need for me to hide from Him. My inadequacies, my sins, my regrets, the things that frustrate me, my concerns about my children or the future of society. All of it. He sees. He sees me.
And not only that, the verse continues by saying God knows me. I find the sequence here pause-worthy. God first searches me, secondly He recognizes who He sees as someone who He knows.
I’m not a stranger to Him.
My heart feels the gravity of this idea, especially because of what is not said in that verse. It does not say that God searches us, gets disappointed then leaves. Is it just me or do we often interpret God’s perceptions of us through the lens of our human interactions? In life sometimes people were close, but then left without explanation. Sometimes we were the one who lost grace or perspective and did not stay connected to a friend or family.
Not our God. His Word reveals His nature. Windows into who He is are sprinkled throughout the Bible, but one of my favorite spots is found in the book of Matthew who was an eyewitness of Jesus and His actions. Can you imagine? In chapter 5, Matthew states that when Jesus was interrogated on the spot to teach people how to pray, He started by saying two very powerful words, “Our Father…” Let’s marinate on those words for a moment. The beginning of the Lord ’s Prayer is phrased as inclusive of all of us! And Jesus refers to God as Father which makes us His children. Every. Single. One. Of. Us.
In another jaw-dropping instance Jesus declares in Matthew 28:20, “Behold I am with you always, even until the end of the age.” So now if we put all these truths together we have a God who searches us, knows us, is our Father and remains with us always. What a Heavenly gift! My silent monologue right now is, “Wait, God, can we talk? Are you sure about this? You actually search me, know me and still stick around?” He has and He does. This amazes me, calms my mind and lifts my spirit. He is our God who is, “a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)
Friends, there’s just something about being known. Whatever season in life you may find yourself in, I pray that you receive a refreshed perspective on being known, truly known, by a God who loves you wide, long, high and deep (Ephesians 3:18). When the difficulty comes, you are known. When the joy is unspeakable, you are known. No matter what, where or when, you are known. May this good news bring you hope today and always.
I told you that you would love it! What an amazing and beautiful truth to remember. Thank you, sis! Love you!!!!
I hope you have an amazing day and know how much you are loved by your Father!!!!!
All My Love ~
Jodi xo
For 15 years, Rachel Cain has been a dedicated part of Housatonic Community College (HCC) Math/Science teaching team, where she is Assistant Professor of Biology. She fosters interpersonal interactions that are respectful of students' uniqueness, and culture. “Bar none, my favorite part about teaching is the students,” said Rachel.
Outside HCC, Rachel’s is dedicated to volunteering at both her church and at her children’s schools. Rachel lives with her husband, Bill; their three children and their dog, Louise in Connecticut. Rachel is currently looking for a hobby, but her most favorite moments are when the family is all hanging out together at, “home in the nest.”