Encouragement for Today

July 10, 2023 You Are Known and Loved TRACIE BRAYLOCK Lee en español

“You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.” Psalm 139:1 (NIV)

It was during the very first course of our nursing program that we were given one of our most important exams. We were tasked with demonstrating how to do a head-to-toe assessment, an evaluation of all of the body’s systems, which would give us a picture of a patient’s health status and potential problems.

For weeks, I studied for this exam, learning the steps of the assessment, what to look for in each body system, and questions to ask the patient throughout the process.

It seemed like so much information to retain, so many steps, and so much room for error. But as exam day approached, I knew I was ready.

Still, completing this examination and gathering as much information as possible about a person’s body and its current condition can only give a glimpse into the totality of the person.

Even with all of the notes I had taken, the hours of studying, the instruments in my nursing bag, and the support of classmates and professors, my assessment was limited. Because just like the proverbial “tip of the iceberg,” what we can see and measure about a person is only a fraction of all there is to know.

I passed the exam and was grateful that I did. But what will always be more gratifying is knowing that there is One — the Great Physician (Mark 2:17) — who knows me, and every patient I care for, inside and out.

If you’re struggling with not feeling seen, heard or understood …
If you wish you could share your stories, your secrets or your shame …
If you’re questioning whether anyone knows all of the parts that make you who you are or if it even matters …
I want to remind you of what Psalm 139:1 says: “You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.”

Yes, my friend, God knew you before you were ever formed in your mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5), has numbered the hairs on your head (Luke 12:7), and knows your words completely before they’re on your tongue (Psalm 139:4). There is no part of who you are that is hidden from God or is a mystery to Him.

So when it seems like the doctors just can’t find the problem, or your spouse or friends don’t seem to understand you even though they’ve been right by your side, or all that you’ve been through feels like more information than even you can retain, remember your Creator sees it all.

God is aware of every condition you face and each detail about who you are. You can turn to and take refuge in the One who knows your every body system, every potential problem, every thought, desire and care. He is familiar with all your ways, and you can trust that you are thoroughly known and loved by Him.

Dear God, thank You for seeing me, loving me and knowing everything about me. I trust that no matter what I’m going through, You are right here with me, assessing my situations and seeing me through them. For this I say thank You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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God will use everything you’ve been through to lead you to what's next. When life feels really hard, we want to help you with our next Online Bible Study, Your New Now: 30 Days To Make Sense of Where You Are and Where You're Going. Join this study of Nicki Koziarz’s book Your New Now, and get access to exclusive audio teachings from Nicki (a friend who's been through seasons of change herself) that will help you better apply what you're learning. The study starts July 17. Click here to sign up now!

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

1 Corinthians 8:3, “But whoever loves God is known by God” (NIV).

John 10:27-28, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand” (NIV).

In which areas of your life have you not felt seen, known or understood? How will you show up for your day, and your life, differently after being reminded that God personally knows you?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2023 by Tracie Braylock. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
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Matthews, NC 28106
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