Being Known

Do you have a friend who can read your mind like a book? She can interpret your body language and facial expressions without needing to hear a word. This is the gift of being known.

It is a gift given after knowing each other for years. You have shared the ebbs and flows in your lives. You may have photos of the two of you, when you had less gray hair, fewer wrinkles, or no unwanted bulges. She knows what you are going to say before you say it. This is the gift of being known.

I recall a recent gift of being known. The conversation was the last one among participants at a table at a weekend ministry event. I had enjoyed catching up with those I knew and meeting others. This was our final lunch.

I was also exhausted. The talking and conversations were continuous. My introverted energy level decreased with each hour. By the time we sat down for this last lunch, I wondered whether anyone would object if I put my head on the table. We introverts love to be around people, but the conversation and noise slowly drain our energy level. One of my closest friends says I am like the Energizer bunny in these settings, one who goes and goes, but then my battery dies abruptly.

At the table, the development representative wanted me to meet this one country director at the table. He was looking directly at me. I just stared blankly at him as he talked. I tried so hard to think of a question or comment. Seated next to me was a dear friend who knew me well. She took one look at me and knew I was “done.” She knew I wanted to put my face down in the salad and close my eyes. She charged in to save the conversation and began to ask questions and draw others into the conversation. I could remain silent. This is the gift of being known.

I find it frustrating and discouraging at times to explain myself to others. We treasure those who know us well and understand us. But as much as our family and closest friends know us, God knows us more. He loves us perfectly. God knows our comings and goings (Psalm 121:8) and our every thought (Psalm 139:2,4). He knows our needs, or deepest longings, and how to love us.

More amazingly, God wants us to know Him. (Proverbs 8:17) He wants to be known, too. In this way, His heart and my heart are alike. We grow to know Him better through scripture and quiet time in prayer, so we can hear Him speak. We also grow to know Him better in our waiting, our suffering, and our losses. Let us remember to praise Him and thank Him for the many ways He knows us and shows His love for us just as we are. How have you seen today that He knows you well? How can you love Him more?