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“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10

Have you ever been in a crowd of people—even among friends—and still felt all alone? Or, maybe, you’ve experienced walking around your office, participating in various conversations throughout the day…but still, loneliness pervades like a descended fog through which you have to wade. And sometimes, even when you’re spending time with your spouse, children, or bestie, there it is again: that sense of disconnectedness.

As human beings, created by God in His own image, our souls pine for relationship. At a superficial level, we want others to like us. We may think carefully about how we act and what we say, hoping to make a good impression on others. You could say, we’ve opened the curtains to the front room that is always tidy and dusted.

A bit deeper, though, it’s about being known and liked. As a relationship grows, we carefully lift the veil of our souls for another to peek inside. It’s like we’ve allowed them to walk through to the kitchen, getting glimpses into several areas of our home—they take in the décor, the type of furniture, the wall colors. If revelation is met with acceptance, warmth envelopes our heart.

Ah, but let’s be honest. Just like those doors that remain closed in our home, concealing the messes, we have cordoned off parts of ourselves to only a select few. And when our courage is mustered and risk ventured, we bare it all. The ultimate hope? To be fully known and still loved.

Sisters, when we experience this, it is pure soul satisfaction—because this is why we were made. But there is bad news: Human-to-human, this is rare. As fallen people, there’s always going to be selfish ambitions and motivations. There are unique sets of filters through which we see others and the world—filters crafted with every experience and relationship—good, bad, and just plain ugly.

The wonderful news? Our Creator God, the One who formed us in our mother’s womb, the One from Whom we cannot hide…He. Knows. Us. Fully. And, regardless of our past, no matter our failures, whatever hurtful words we’ve spoken…God loves us without condition.

Here is a song that speaks beautifully of His love—give it a listen.

“Lord, thank You that I am fully known and loved by You—no matter how lonely I feel in this world.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life