January 10, 2019 -- Psalm 1:6 -- The LORD knows

...for the LORD knows the way of the righteous,

but the way of the wicked will perish.

Psalm 1:6 ESV

The LORD knows. What a glorious Name. If we are totally honest we must admit we hide so much of ourselves from others. The fact is, if anyone really knew us, heard our secret thoughts and saw the things we do when we think no one is watching--well, our friends would be shocked, and our family disown us.

The LORD knows. He knows all of our sins. He knows and heard all our secret thoughts. He knows our failures--every. single. one. The sins of every sinner were placed on Jesus Christ. He became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God. It is not that the righteous are doing good in and of themselves. That is impossible. We are righteousness in Jesus Christ. Our sins are vanquished. Our guilt and shame are taken away. And Jesus gives us a new life, one stamped with His full measure of righteousness.

The LORD knows. When Satan whispers and reminds us of our darkest secrets and sins we can respond--"You are right Satan. And there is more besides. You missed many of my sins. But the LORD knows!" The LORD Who knows has given Jesus Who is able to save to the uttermost reaches of our sinfulness.

The LORD knows. We are fluctuating. We are hot and cold. We are afraid God's mercy might run out. So the LORD has given to the righteous, those who believe in Him, the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God seals the blessings of God in each us so that we can never be snatched from the hand of God. I am so relieved: the LORD knows.

LORD of blessing and love, I can hardly look at You. I am so aware of the filth of sin that clings to me. How vast are Your mercies and how tender is Your compassion. I am grappling with the fact that You know me, You know Your people: sinful, wretched though we are. Awed that You have provided us the way of salvation in Jesus Christ. You have sealed this wondrous salvation to our souls by Your Spirit. Who, O LORD, Who is a God like You! Blessed be Your Name. Save me, O LORD Who knows, save me to the uttermost reaches. Amen.