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“Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I get up; You understand my thought from far away. You scrutinize my path and my lying down,  And are acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, Lord, You know it all. You have encircled me behind and in front, And placed Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high; I cannot comprehend it.”  Psalm 139:1-6

Do you ever feel unknown? Not in the “I wish I was famous” sort of way. Or even the “I need 1000 likes” in the pursuit of social media notoriety (or infamy, as in today’s culture). I mean those days (weeks, months, years) that, despite your friendships, co-workers, church community—even the family members living in your house—you just feel alone. It’s like no one cares about you, no one wonders how you are doing. You go about your busy (perhaps frenetic) day, interacting with people, but there’s an odd sense of disconnectedness…a feeling that no one knows you.

We could talk for pages about the psychology behind this phenomenon. Or unpeel emotional baggage to uncover points of historical trauma that could lead to these intense feelings of loneliness despite not really being alone. But let’s not.

Instead, let’s jump right to a reality, shall we? The deep truth is that this detachment, loneliness, and “unknownness” is a ploy of the enemy. The devil, tempter, ruler of this world, the accuser—Satan—loves it when we experience this! Just like the prowling lion to which he is often compared, he wants us isolated so he can attack. You’ve seen those nature shows, where that lone antelope falls behind the pack, the perfect prey to be devoured by the crouching lion. That’s exactly what this is like.

But it’s a lie.

You see, friend, you (and I) are never alone—and we are not unknown. Our Sovereign, omniscient, omnipresent God knows you. He created you in your mother’s womb, knitting every precious part together (Psalm 139:15-16). He is always with you and will never leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5). He knows you when you sit and when you stand. He knows your thoughts and your words—even before they’re spoken. His hand is upon you, and it’s impossible to grasp how high His thoughts are above ours. When it seems you’re surrounded by darkness, to Him everything’s in the light. We cannot run from His presence—even when we want to have a “nobody loves me” pity party. He is always there (Psalms 139:1-12).

Isn’t that comforting? When we feel like no one sees a hurt, recognizes a wrong against us, or acknowledges an accomplishment, we can rest in the fact that Someone does. Not only does He know, He cares—and He loves us with a deeper and greater love than we could ever comprehend. So, if you’re feeling unknown today, just read God’s Word to discover the Truth and dispel the lies of your great adversary. And if you don’t know where to begin, just open to Psalm 139. And know that you are known.

“Lord, I am grateful that You know me. I never need to feel alone or unloved, because Your love wraps around me.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life