Let’s face it – 2020 has been a strange year.
But God was not surprised by all the events that have happened.

Would you join me in a four-week countdown to Thanksgiving?
When we stop for a moment, we realize we have much to be thankful for.

¹ O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
² You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from afar.
³ You search out my path and my lying down
    and are acquainted with all my ways.
⁴ Even before a word is on my tongue,
    behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
⁵ You hem me in, behind and before,
    and lay your hand upon me.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
    it is high; I cannot attain it.

(Psalm 139:1-6, English Standard Version)

Over the next few days, we’ll be walking through Psalm 139, thankful that God knows all about us.

It’s initially a scary moment, to realize that God is all-knowing, and knows more about us than we know about ourselves, isn’t it?

So what is our response to this reality?

Do we run and hide, hoping it’s not true?

Or do we run toward Him with open arms?

Our response is often shaped by our concept and understanding about who God is, especially how we think God sees us.

King David helps us see God as He is – a righteous and merciful God that loves us unconditionally. It’s not something He does; it’s who He is at the center of His being.

And knowing that God loves us and knows everything about us changes everything.

Here’s another translation of today’s passage that may encourage you:

¹ Lord, you know everything there is to know about me.
² You perceive every movement of my heart and soul,
and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind.
^3–4 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.
⁵ 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 impart a blessing to me.
⁶ This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible!
Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength.

(Psalm 139:1-6, The Passion Translation)

Lord, I am thankful that You know all about me, and still love me.

Lord, like David, I don’t understand why You love us, but I am so thankful that You do!

Lord, some days the world we live in feels like a cold morning, and my soul is shivering and greatly in need of the warmth of Your presence.

Thank You that You already knew my need, and You wrap me in the warmth of Your kind blanket of love and Your caring embrace. Thank You for sitting with me and listening and speaking words of kindness and encouragement and love to me.

You indeed are enough.

My heart is full and overflowing – help me to remember to share Your love with others today.

Amen.

Thankful that God knows me by name,
~kevin