That’s right. Nobody really, truly or accurately knows us. Not our spouse, lover, doctor, friend and most often we don’t even know ourselves. Oh people have opinions about what’s going on inside of us. We’re depressed, shy, angry, and sad among many possible traits. But none of those labels get to the heart of just who we are and what’s going on inside of us.

Sometimes we crawl deep within ourselves hiding, as it were, from the storms around us, even the people closest to us. We might put on a disguise of happiness or strength but inside we’re just little children crying for love and understanding.

Even saying we are a child of God says very little about who that child really is; what he or she thinks. No, I’m afraid that people are only guessing about the ‘me inside’.

I think King David was that way. We can read all about him and even analyze this shepherd king but the cries of his psalms tell us that he was at most times a lonely man living in the solitude of the castle he built around himself, running, hiding, fighting, and sometimes praising and giving thanks.

Take a look at Psalm 139 and you will discover that this is only ONE who really knew David and thus you and me. “Lord you have searched me and you know me.” Or as the MSG puts it, “I am an open book to you.” The whole Psalm labors this point. There is no place to hide from God. Not that God is angrily searching for us. No. Just the opposite. David’s Psalm is one of thanks that God does know him when others don’t.

Our Creator is our Supreme Lover having knit us together in the womb. This loving Father is even invited by David to uncover David’s offenses deep inside. Not even the most private caverns of darkness within our souls can keep us hidden from the loving pursuit of God. (Read this whole Psalm)

From the silent screams of our hearts to the highest praises of our lips God is right there with us. And knowing that my Lord knows makes all the difference in the world. Such love may not change my outward circumstances or it might. What matters most is that

THE GREAT I AM knows who I am.

By the way. In Advent let’s remember IMMANUEL means ‘God with us.’