I Know

As parents, we’ve made a lot of effort to speak words of affirmation over our kids. “Josiah, I love you so much. You’re a really great kid, and you’re so kind to others. I love who you are.” “Stevie, I love you so much. You make me laugh. You are such a spark of joy and energy.” What I didn’t expect is the response they started giving as they’ve gotten older: “I know.” Not an arrogant “I know,” or an irritated “I know” like we’ve said it too much—they give us the biggest hugs and respond with joyful confidence and the sweetest smiles on their faces, “I know.” They are hanging onto these words with confidence that it’s the truth.

The first time it happened, it surprised me. I was used to “thank you” or “I love you too!” “I know” resonated to my core. It was an indication that what I’ve spoken on repeat has really stuck with them to the point of becoming a core belief. In a world where we all fall short as parents, it was a spark of relief that I’ve done something right. I want so deeply for my kids to grow up with Godly confidence in who they are and how richly they are loved. I was so happy to hear an indication that they believed my words. And then I realized that our perfect Father in heaven wants the same for us.

Do you believe what He says in the Word about you? I don’t know about you, but if I answer this question honestly, I don’t always respond with full confidence.

God says, “I love you,” (John 3:16)

I reply, “But I’m so unworthy of your love.”

God says, “You’re forgiven.” (Psalm 103:12)

I reply, “But don’t you remember that time I messed up?”

God says, “I know every detail of your life down to the numbers of hair on your head.” (Luke 12:7)

I reply, “But do you really see me God? I feel too insignificant for you to notice my needs.”

Can you relate? Let’s read a few of His words together and reflect on His love for us:

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you.” Psalm 139:13-18

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:11-12

“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1

Prayer:

God, may I spend enough time in Your presence that Your words become my core beliefs, living my life with my head held high, confident in Your love for me.