Close Acquaintance

“You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.” Psalm 139:3

My son and I have always been close. My husband and I had several children, but for some reason, this son and I had a special connection. It wasn’t like we shared secrets or went places “just the two of us,” but we enjoyed each other’s company. As he grew, he was never ashamed to be seen with me. His sense of humor was similar to mine. He responded well to my teaching and admonition. He respected and honored me as his mom. He submitted to my parental authority.

From the very beginning of his life, I seemed to know his next move, his next words, what he wanted, what he needed. Most of you who are moms know this feeling when your babies are tiny—you know when they are crying from hunger, or from tiredness, or from being overwhelmed. Now that my son is an adult, it seems even easier than before to anticipate his moods, to talk him down out of anger, to feel his excitement (still) at holidays, to know when he needs space and downtime.

The connection God, as Father, has with us, His children, is similar to this. He comprehends all there is to know about us. He’s known since He created us (if not before) what we will do next, what we are thinking, what path we are taking. He is acquainted with all our ways. He knows that if this happens, then that will happen. He knows we will deal with it in this pattern. He knows when we need to rest, when we are overwrought, when we are hungry and thirsty for Him. He knows when our hearts are haughty, when we are prideful, when we are backslidden, when our loyalty is divided. He knows our dreams, and the dreams that died. He knows what we are useful for, what kind of fruit we will bear for His Kingdom, and the day of our death. He knows what our giftings are, even if we do not (yet).

How astounding! “The LORD has called Me from the womb; from the matrix of My mother He has made mention of My name” (Isaiah 49:1b). “O LORD, You have searched me and known me” (Psalm 139:1). “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13).

My relationship with my son is a mere shadow of God’s relationship with me, but it helps me relate to God’s knowledge of me. My heavenly Father is truly acquainted with all my ways, as He is with yours.

Lord, we honor You as our Maker, our Father, our parental authority. We are Your children, with our eyes watching for Your every move so that we will know how to live in You. Thank You for a close relationship with You. Amen.