Being Known

How is it that we can live in the midst of hundreds of people and yet feel alone? I hear it often from my students, especially the ones that have just arrived and are making the transition to living on their own.

My staff and I work very hard at knowing the 101 girls in our hall, because we understand that everyone longs to be seen and known. But what does being known mean? Is it having your face recognized, your name called in greeting, or having a conversation with someone? In some ways, yes, but I think these examples are just the start of being known. I think “being known” encompasses much more.

I was reading John 1 this week with a student. I came across verse 48 and it struck me. “Nathanael said to him [Jesus], ‘How do you know me?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Before Philip called you when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.’” Christ saw Nathanael. Really saw him! Nathanael was known.

This got me thinking. Am I known by God?

*Psalm 139:1 “O Lord you have searched me and know me!” (Psalm 139 attests deeply to God knowing us)

*1 Corinthians 8:3 “But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.”

*Job 23: 10 “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold”

*Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.”

*2 Timothy 2:19a “But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are his.’”

Honestly, my mind can’t fully wrap around being so completely known by Him. Part of that is because of my sinfulness and that I won’t fully understand it until Heaven. I am so grateful to be known and look forward to understanding this as much as possible in this short life. What I do know, for sure, is that I am called to emulate Christ. So who are the people that He as placed in my life for me to know and not just merely recognize? What about you?