Known

There is a popular song on the radio right now called “Known” by Tauren Wells. This song has taken my breath away numerous times once I have paused to reflect on the lyrics. I hear so much music all day – the radio with the kids on the way to school, a variety of music being played throughout the day in the preschool classmates, or background music on my computer. I usually end up just singing along without thinking about what I am singing. One day when I had dropped the kids off at school and I was on my way to work, I was singing to the radio when I became acutely aware of the lyrics I was saying. I knew them by heart, but my heart didn’t recognize them until that moment. I immediately began to tear up when I was thinking about the truth behind the words.

I’m fully known, and loved by you – You won’t let me go, no matter what I do – And it’s not one or the other, Hard truth and ridiculous grace – To be fully known, and loved by you

Psalms 119 says that He knew us before we were knit in our mother’s wombs. You see, God already knows everything about you. He knows your decisions. He knows your struggles. He knows your choices, good and bad. We are FULLY KNOWN. And yet – loved anyway! When I reflect at my life and the times that I wasn’t in God’s will, making my own stubborn choices (ones that pleased me, but surely did not please Him), God knew me then. He showed me his ridiculous grace. Yes, He has some hard truth, but it’s the ridiculous grace that keeps pursuing us. We all may have the perfect exterior facade, the happy smile, the perfect family. But God sees the mess we are INSIDE. And the best part? He loves us in spite of that. He loves us in spite of OURSELVES. Sometimes we just need to move out of the way, and allow God to move. Allow yourself to be fully known today. Feel His powerful grace, recognize that He’s pursuing you as you go astray. And maybe you will listen to this song next time with a different lens.