Have you ever felt lonely, disconnected, misunderstood? Have you found yourself longing to be known—fully—right to your core? I have. I am an introvert so I hold my feelings close. It takes a while even for new friends to get to know me. Friends can certainly know us to some degree. Our family often knows us best. But not even our spouse can see deep into our soul where our motives, fears, and deepest desires are housed.

But, do not despair, friend. There is one who sees into our heart. His name is Jesus. He knows our pain and our sadness. He knows our hidden secrets—secrets we may have never uttered to another human being. He knows our motives when, often, other people misread them. And he knows what brings us joy. He knows the desires of our hearts and wants us to have His very best.

When I am frustrated, lonely or sad, nothing brings me more peace and emotional relief than pouring my heart out in prayer to the one who truly knows and sees me. Others may read my quiet, as arrogance—God knows it’s my introverted nature. Others may wonder why I try to avoid gossip and negativity when I’m with friends, they assume I have a superiority complex—God knows I’m trying to be more like him in that one small way. Though I wear a smile for the world and exhibit a joyful attitude as a way of encouraging those around me—God knows I sometimes struggle with regret for things in my past. God knows me to the core of my being. I am so thankful that He does!

And do you know the greatest thing about it? He knows me and he loves me anyway!

There is nothing hidden from Him.

There can be no pretense or falsehood in His presence. You are free to lay yourself bare. Ask Him anything. Pour out your heartache. Bask in the feeling of being known. Let it sink in.

Sometimes, when I go to Him in prayer, all I can say is, “Lord, you know my needs, you know my heart, please help me.” What a blessing it is to be able to do that when words fail us.

Today I am oh, so thankful to be fully known by the God of the universe.

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.” Psalm 139:1-4

“For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well.” Psalm 139:13-14

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my thoughts; And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'” Psalm 91:1-2