The all-knowing God
LORD, you have examined me and you know me. You know everything I do;
from far away you understand all my thoughts.
You see me, whether I am working or resting; you know all my actions.
Even before I speak,
you already know what I will say.
(verses 1-4)
The other day I had an X-ray taken. I don’t know how an X-ray machine works, but I do know that it can penetrate my body and reveal what otherwise could not be seen. When a mother-to-be goes to her doctor for a check-up, most likely she will be given an ultrasound. She will see the first pictures of her unborn child, even though the child is still in her womb.
God doesn’t need X-rays and ultrasounds. He knows and understands who we are and what we are doing and saying. We may do something in complete secrecy to the point that no other person will know about it, but God knows.
God knows what is going on in my head – how embarrassing. He knows about my selfishness, my greediness and my lack of compassion – how awful. When I put on a pious front, he knows that I am only pretending – how dreadful.
There is only one place for us to go – to Jesus. As we look to him, we find forgiveness. As we listen to him, we rediscover that we are still loved by him, even though he can see all the ugliness in our lives. He knows all about us and still loves us just the same. He knows our struggles and needs, and wants to help us. In fact, he knows our needs better than we know ourselves.
All – knowing God, I am thankful that you give me what I need, even when I don’t even realise that I need your help. Amen.
by Vince Gerhardy, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)
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