The Desire to be Known

I am the good shepherd…. I know my sheep and my sheep know me….

John 10:14

Like most brides, I brought a deep desire to be fully known by my husband. Meaningful conversations during the early courting days vanished after marriage. He hijacked my words, explained away my feelings, and redirected my preferences to accommodate his. Sometimes, he walked away while I spoke, seemingly unaware of my words or my presence. By that time, my desire to be known had transformed into a deep emotional wound.

I found comfort in Jesus’ tender words, “I know my sheep and my sheep know me” (John 10:14). The Greek word for “know,” ginosko, encompasses everything I desired—"to learn to know, come to know, to become known, to understand, or have knowledge*.”

King David writes of another level of intimacy shared with my Creator—the formation of my life.

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.

(Psalm 139 13-14).

Leaning into the heart of the One who formed my body, heart, and soul as my Creator and into the heart of His Son, my Shepherd, soothes my yearning. It also frees me to hear the heart of others—so I can direct them to the source of all intimate knowing, their Creator and their Shepherd King.   

Father, thank you that You know me better than I know myself. Thank You that You are always available to hear my thoughts and words, my sighs and groans, my laughter and tears. Thank You for tenderly guiding me into Your truth and wisdom when I seek You. Show me how to be available to see and hear others. In the name of your ever-present Son, Jesus, I pray, amen.

*Blue Letter Bible App

© makingsenseofmylife.com