Known By God

Known by God

Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth? Tell me, if you know all this.

Job 38:18 (NIV)

One of the results of modern technology that amazes me is Google Earth. Through this computer application, I can zoom down and view towns, streets, and even individual lots with ease from the comfort of my couch. I love viewing places I’ve already been and checking out places I’d like to go. But even with all I can see, do I really know the earth? I can locate familiar streets, but those are simply pixels on the screen. Knowledge is not the same as understanding.

Job 28:24 speaks of God saying, “He looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens” (ESV). But God doesn’t see only pixels; He sees all of life. He can walk along with that person in Paris or with an Amish farmer in Ohio, just as He walks with me.

Isaiah 41:10 says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.” He is with each of us, and He longs for each of us to know Him just as we are known by Him.

My friend Elizabeth shared this illustration: “When I was a child I remember my mom telling me a story of her dad returning from a trip into town to buy groceries and other supplies. He bought each of the kids candy bars; there were nine of them. This was a personal touch that made each child feel loved and thought of. As a large Amish family, buying anything extra, like candy bars, was a big deal . . . but still it was a simple way to show love.”

We may not all get a candy bar from God today, but if you turn to Him, He will certainly connect with you in a personal way. It doesn’t matter where you live or what corner of the earth you inhabit. God sees you, God knows you, and God loves you more than you can imagine. And you don’t need a computer application to give evidence of that.

Dear heavenly Father, I’m overwhelmed by the thought that You can see across the earth and yet Your heart is fully present with me. Help me to know You better at this moment than I did a moment before.