“But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.” — 1 Corinthians 8:3 (ESV)
Fully Known
While we absolutely serve an all-knowing, omnipotent, omnipresent God, there is a stark difference between God’s knowledge of everything and allowing ourselves to be known by Him. To be known by God is a two-way street. It’s a conscious decision to open our hearts to this all-knowing God that we might experience Him in even the deepest, most secret places of our lives.
Galatians 4:8-9 (ESV) says, “Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?”
Being known by God is the birthplace of freedom. When we allow our Creator and Savior to truly know us, He brings with Him all His power, love and deliverance. Only when we allow Him to know the wounds of our past do we position ourselves to receive His healing. Only when we discover that He cries, mourns, laughs and celebrates with us will our hearts be founded on the reality of true relationship with Him.
Your God doesn’t just want to teach you, lead you, empower you or use you, He wants to know you. You don’t have to go through this life on your own. You don’t have to process decisions, pains, relationships or doubts on your own. You can be known by your Creator and know Him. Unhindered relationship with your perfect, loving Father can be your source.
It is entirely possible to go through this life as a believer without letting God fully know you. As tragic as it may be, many Christians do it every day. We live as if God is distant from us. We live as if we don’t have full access to His heart, will, love and presence in the Holy Spirit. We live as if all Christ came to do was give us a “get out of hell free card” rather than restore us to right relationship with the Father. And when you live fully known by God, you will experience a love more sure, more real and more transcendent than any love you’ve experienced.
Take time to truly let God know you. Open up the secret places of your heart. Tell Him about your insecurities, fears, doubts and wounds. May you find a deeper level of intimacy with your loving Father than you thought possible.
— Craig Denison, First15
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