Your Father Knows You

“When they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples” (Mark 4:34).

Jesus doesn’t take us aside and explain things to us all the time; He explains things to us as we are able to understand them. The lives of others are examples for us, but God requires us to examine our own souls. It is slow work—so slow that it takes God all of time and eternity to make a man or woman conform to His purpose. We can only be used by God after we allow Him to show us the deep, hidden areas of our own character. It is astounding how ignorant we are about ourselves! We don’t even recognize the envy, laziness, or pride within us when we see it. But Jesus will reveal to us everything we have held within ourselves before His grace began to work. How many of us have learned to look inwardly with courage? We have to get rid of the idea that we understand ourselves. That is always the last bit of pride to go. The only One who understands us is God. The greatest curse in our spiritual life is pride. If we have ever had a glimpse of what we are like in the sight of God, we will never say, “Oh, I’m so unworthy.” We will understand that this goes without saying. But as long as there is any doubt that we are unworthy, God will continue to close us in until He gets us alone. Whenever there is any element of pride or conceit remaining, Jesus can’t teach us anything. He will allow us to experience heartbreak or the disappointment we feel when our intellectual pride is wounded. He will reveal numerous misplaced affections or desires—things over which we never thought He would have to get us alone. Many things are shown to us, often without effect. But when God gets us alone over them, they will be clear.” —Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

Psalm 139 is one of the most profound and personal passages in Scripture, revealing the depth of God’s knowledge of and care for each of us. David begins with a stunning truth: God has searched him and knows him completely. This knowledge is not distant or impersonal but deeply intimate—God sees our every move, knows our thoughts before we think them, and understands our words before we speak them. It is in this depth of love that He meets us. Therefore we can rest in His knowledge of us, trust in His guidance, and embrace His protection. Take a moment today to thank God for His intimate knowledge of you. Surrender your fears and uncertainties, and rest in the truth that He knows you better than anyone else ever could. His love is unwavering, His presence is constant, and His knowledge of you is wonderful beyond understanding. —DH