To Know and Be Known
Move from Knowing About God to Truly Knowing Him
Have you ever paused and asked yourself, “Do I really know God?” Not just know about Him—the facts, the stories, the doctrines—but truly know Him in the depths of your heart, the way a longtime spouse knows your unspoken thoughts, or the way God knows you completely?
We all experience different levels of being “known” by others. Some folks at church know my name and that I show up regularly. Others know a bit more—that I love to worship, I can easily get lost in a good book, and that the kitchen is one of my favorite rooms in my house.
But even after 20+ years of marriage, does my husband know every hidden corner of my heart the way God does? Or do I know every corner of my husband's heart? Maybe not as fully as I think I do. And honestly, what does my heart do when I flip that question around: Do I know God that intimately?
This isn’t a guilt trip—it’s a gentle heart-check. What stirs in your spirit when you hear, “How well do you know Him?”
Think back to falling in love. When I first met my husband in August 1992, I was captivated. I wanted to know everything: his walk with God, what made him laugh, his favorite foods, and his family background. We dated for three years before marriage, but the real knowing happened in the daily grind—24/7 togetherness, vulnerability, safety in intimacy. Sometimes he knows me better than I know myself.
Now compare that to our relationship with God. Many of us have been saved far longer than we’ve been married—yet if we’re honest, our earthly relationships often get more intentional time and effort. God gets the leftovers: a 5 minute quiet time before the kids get up, Sunday service, maybe a few minutes in prayer. Ouch. I’ve asked myself the same hard question and didn’t like the answer: No, I don’t know God better than my spouse, even though I’ve known Him longer.
About four years ago, the parable of the Sower in Matthew 13 hit me fresh. My heart is the soil; God’s Word is the seed. If I don’t prepare the soil—deal with rocks, thorns, hardness—the seed gets stolen or choked before it produces fruit. That revelation sparked a decision: I’m going to cultivate my heart and pursue God intentionally.
Here are key truths that have shifted everything for me—and I believe they will for you too.
God Is Actively Pursuing You
Jesus’ parables in Luke 15 and Matthew 13 paint a stunning picture. The shepherd leaves the 99 to find the one lost sheep. The woman searches diligently for her lost coin and rejoices when she finds it. The man sells everything for hidden treasure; the merchant does the same for one priceless pearl. These aren’t just stories of us finding God—they’re God finding us, paying the ultimate price. The cross is the greatest proof: God’s wrath, condemnation, poverty, sickness—all poured out on Jesus so we could be reconciled (John 3:16-17). He didn’t wait for us to clean up; He pursues us in our mess.
His Love Is Unconditional
You’ve heard it a million times, but do you know it in your knower? Close your eyes. Check your heart. Do you believe His love isn’t based on performance, but on His choice? From Genesis 1:27-28, you were in His heart before creation—male and female in His image, potential breathed into Adam. Sin separated us from the Holy Spirit’s indwelling, but Jesus restored it. Now, as Ezekiel 36:26-27 promises, He gives a new heart and puts His Spirit in us. We’re one with Him in spirit.
You Can’t Separate the Relationship with God from a Relationship with His Word
The more time in the Word, the more you hear His voice, understand His nature, and walk in your true identity. Romans 8:5-9 contrasts living by the flesh (death) versus the Spirit (life and peace). Renewing your mind with Scripture transforms heart beliefs, changing how you see God, yourself, and others (Romans 12:1-2).
Be honest: How much daily time do you spend in the Word or prayer? Excuses come quick—work, kids, household—but what about phone scrolling, Netflix binges, TikTok? What consumes your time reveals what you truly value. Matthew 6:33 says seek first the Kingdom, and all else is added—no worry about provision when He’s priority.
Pursue Him as He Pursues You
Ezra 7:10 shows a prepared heart seeking the Lord fully. Under the new covenant, we seek Him through Jesus’ finished work. Decide today: My relationship with God is most important. Delve into the Word for identity and purpose. Don’t let the world, family, or even well-meaning people define you.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (AMPC) is powerful: God’s plans are for peace, a future, and hope. But then: Call on Him, pray, seek Him as a vital necessity—with deep longing—and you’ll find Him. Like lungs need oxygen, let Him be that essential.
If this stirs you, agree with me in declaring:
“Lord, I don’t want to stay the same. I want to be who You say I am—unshakable, no matter opinions. I’ll study Your Word to know You personally, not just through others’ teachings. I’ll spend time in Your presence, discover my created identity, and walk in it. Above all, I want to say: I know my Father, Jesus my Savior, and Holy Spirit my Teacher—just as They know me. Thank You, Jesus! Amen!”
Friend, God isn’t distant. He’s pursuing you right now. Start small, but start with intentionality. The intimacy you crave is available—through His Word, in His presence.
Let’s move from knowing about Him to truly knowing Him. Your spirit is already alive in Christ; now let that life flow into every part of you.
What’s one step you’ll take today to pursue Him more deeply?