I moved away from family and friends after getting married, and one of the hardest things about the move was the feeling of being unknown. There’s nothing like the feeling of plopping down on the couch next to someone who knows and loves you deeply. There’s such comfort and joy in being known, and freedom to be your full self. But even the closest relationship we have here on earth doesn’t compare to the relationship our Heavenly Father has with us. Psalm 139 proclaims that there is literally nowhere we can go that He is not there: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” (Psalm 139:7). God formed our very beings and knows each breath we take. He knows us fully, and yet – through Christ- offers full forgiveness and love. Hallelujah! Not only does God know and love us, but He calls us to know Him. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart,” He tells His people Israel in Jeremiah 29:13. We are called to seek the One who knows us and loves us more deeply than we can comprehend. He wants us to know Him, and He calls us to seek His face (Psalm 105:4).  

Not only can we receive God’s love and seek to know Him more and more daily, but He calls us to reflect that knowledge and love to His people. I’ve been reading Acts recently, and a theme that’s been sticking out is how Paul makes a habit of cultivating relationships with the churches. He doesn’t just start churches and then up and leave; he intentionally purposes to encourage and visit them (Acts 15:36). I think sometimes we get so caught up in thinking about results and goals that we forget the importance and purpose of relationship in and of itself. Relationships aren’t about making connections to reach an end goal; they’re about reflecting Christ. 

So wherever you are today, be comforted with the truth that you are fully known and fully loved by your Heavenly Father (Psalm 139, 2 Timothy 2:19), who is inviting you to know Him more. Let that truth fill us as we follow the Spirit’s leading in pursuing relationships and encouraging God’s people.