Tuesday, March 28, 2017

“I Know”
By Lexi Cole Ellis

Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
    I have called you by name, you are mine.

Recently, I was leading my small group of three- to five-year-olds during Sunday School. In prayer, I ended with “We love you, God. Amen.” As the group rushed to the table for snacks, one of my buddies stayed on the carpet. “Miss Lexi,” he said, “I think when we tell God we love Him, He smiles at us and says, ‘I know.’”

What theology from a five-year-old! Because the reality is, we don’t pray to give God new information. He’s all-knowing, and it’s clear that He has a game plan in mind already.

It got me thinking. We often say things the hearer already knows. I tell my husband that I love him…I hope he already knows this and that my actions confirm it. Yet my words serve as a reminder that our relationship matters deeply. So it is with God. There is so much power in the relationship we have with Him: He knows, and yet He wants to hear from the heart of His beloved.

“God, this situation is really hard…I hate this road I have to walk down right now.”

My Friend, I know…I suffered unimaginable pain as well, and desired there could have been another way, too. Hang in there. There is power in the fact that Your Creator knows your hurt and pain.

“God, this relationship is struggling. I don’t know what to do.”

My Child, I know…I’ve been working at restoring my relationship with humanity since the beginning of time. I know rejection; I know heartache. I have been there, and I am with you always.

“God, I feel alone…abandoned. Where is your goodness?”

My Created, I know…I am with you in the valleys and in the joys. I have promised to never leave you nor forsake you. I have blessed you in ways that are known and in ways that are yet to be seen. Keep trusting me.

“God, I feel unloved. The guilt and shame is overwhelming, and I am sometimes shocked at my thoughts….”

My Redeemed, I know…and the great works of my Power  - - from the Old Testament to the Cross  - - reveal  that I believe you are worth pursuing. My sacrifice in your place not only saved you from your sin, but released you from guilt and shame. Join me in true freedom that comes in a relationship with me.

I’m thankful for the reminder from my five-year-old friend. We serve a God who smiles at us and says “I know.”

GOING FURTHER:
1.      What truths or promises come to mind that you know are true of God? Click on this list if you need some reminders.

FURTHER READING:


Lexi and her husband, Andrew, have an adorable dog named Calvin and love to travel. She teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing. She serves with Children’s Ministries and is the Fresh Start Coordinator.