“I Know”
By Lexi Cole Ellis
By Lexi Cole Ellis
Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
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.
