To be known.

We all have an innate desire to be known. A desire for someone to know what we’re thinking without words said, to know how we’re feeling just by being in the same room, to be understood in the midst of opinions, to truly be heard without a rapid prepared response, to be valued for who we are as a person, and loved for our unique differences. To be known for more than just what we “do” or what we have accomplished in life, but to truly be known from the inside out.

This desire to be known has to give way to a willingness to be open and transparent about our thoughts, feelings, longings, and desires. When we open the door and invite someone into that place of knowing, we are giving them access to become more than an acquaintance, but into real relationship. This can be scary because it is taking the risk the person may not reciprocate the desire or the vulnerability offered. However, this is also the most wanted and sought after place because it is what and how we were created to be from the beginning of time.

In the Bible, in the book of Genesis, God created man because He had a desire to be known. He created man, Adam, in His very own image to have a relationship and friendship. He walked with Adam and had fellowship with him daily. From this place, He entrusted mankind with His creations and His heart.

Even though God was there and knew Adam in the garden, He saw the need in mankind that He saw in Himself–the desire to be known and in relationship. So God created a help mate, Eve, because He did not want man to be alone. So, mankind was created first for God’s pleasure, but then also for each other. He wanted us to be known by Him first, and then to be known and in relationship with others.

God never created us with the intent in mind for us to “do” or accomplish something for Him to be known by Him. We were not created to be His business partner, His slave, or His afterthought. He was not working an angle to get something from us. He designed us from the very beginning to be known from a place of love, vulnerability, intimacy, friendship, and communion. He invited us into His world, created us in His image, with the desire to be known. It was His love for us that He was willing to take on fully the risk of reciprocity. He was willing to risk it all for the sake of being known.

I love what Psalm 139:1-11 (TPT) states, “Lord, You know everything there is to know about me. You’ve examined my innermost being with Your loving gaze. You perceive every movement of my heart and soul, and understand my every thought before it even enters my mind! You are so intimately aware of me, Lord, You read my heart like an open book and You know all the words I’m about to speak before I even start a sentence! You know every step I will take, before my journey even begins! You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness You follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. With Your hand of love upon my life, You imparted a Father’s blessing to me! This is just too wonderful, deep and incomprehensible! Your understanding of me brings wonder and strength. Where could I go from Your Spirit? Where could I run and hide from Your face? If I go up to heaven, You’re there! If I go down to the realm of the dead, You’re there too! If I fly with wings into the shining dawn, You’re there! If I fly into the radiant sunset, You’re there waiting! Wherever I go Your hand will guide me, Your strength will empower me. It’s impossible to disappear from You, or to ask the darkness to hide me, for Your presence is everywhere bringing light into my night!” 

I want to encourage you today to allow yourself to be known by the Father; allow yourself to known by others. Yes, it may be scary, it could hurt, it will require vulnerability and transparency, but the risk is far worth the sacrifice. We were created in this life to know Him and to be known. So take the risk of opening the door to who you are–it is worth it!

Below is a powerful song by Steffany Frizzell-Gretzinger called, “You Know Me.” Let the words of this song wash over you as you open your heart to be known by the Father.