Experiencing God's Presence #76

The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” So the people came streaming from the village to see him.

John 4:28-30

The woman waited until noon to get water at the well. Maybe that’s when it was most convenient, but it’s more likely that she waited until then to avoid the stares. Her reputation made her an outcast. She could avoid more people by going in the middle of the day.

But one stranger was there, a traveler who broke society’s rules to speak to her. And when He spoke, He seemed to know all about her—even details that no one could have known. Even though she had sinned, He spoke to her gently and didn’t embarrass her. He knew her heart.

Jesus knew all about the woman at the well because God, who knows every detail of our lives, told Him. The God who examines our hearts and knows everything about us (Psalm 139:1) had read her life like a book. He knows every moment of our lives and every thought we’ve ever had. God told Jeremiah that He knew all about him before he was even born (Jeremiah 1:5). Jesus told His disciples that God had numbered the hairs on their heads (Matthew 10:30). When God came to Hagar in the desert, she realized she had seen “the God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13). Over and over again in Scripture, God made it clear that He was intimately involved in people’s lives and knew them deeply.

Put your finger on your neck or wrist and find your pulse. Think about the fact that God already knew the frequency, strength, and rhythm of every one of your heartbeats many, many years ago. Amazing, isn’t it? Everything about you—even your flaws and struggles—is lovingly governed by Him.

Father, You know every detail about me and still choose to be in a close relationship with me. I don’t want that choice to be wasted by my neglect. Please let me experience You to the fullest.

From the book