Three Words

Psalm 27:18

Mar 20, 2026

This quote from author Timothy Keller is intriguing. “To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything.”

The desire to be loved and understood is a natural human need. Friends, this is part of God’s creative plan. There are days when we feel lonely or like we’ve been ignored. You probably don’t have to think long to recall a specific situation, group, or gathering where you felt unnoticed or excluded.

This week, I reflected on three words: The Lord knows. They are simple but profound. My first thoughts went to everyday life. He knows when I am happy, angry, sad, or fearful. Yet, I sensed a deeper, more meaningful truth and looked to the Bible for insight. There is a wealth of hidden meaning in these words.

The Lord knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever.
- Psalm 37:18 (NKJV)

In our English Bibles, we see “Lord,” “God,” and “the Lord” used without distinguishing among them. We read these words and often miss their true meanings. However, in the Hebrew Scriptures, we can see the differences between the names. God’s specific names offer us a glimpse of His character and reveal the deeper meaning behind them.

“The Lord” is the Hebrew name for Jehovah. This name is used most frequently and appears over 6,500 times in Scripture. Every time we see “The Lord” in verses, it reminds us that He is a relational, personal God. The Lord wants to have a personal relationship with you and me. We are precious in His sight.

“Jehovah is the aspect of God that relates to His creation personally ... Jehovah is the God who personally reveals Himself to us, often through the trials and struggles we face.” (Dr. Tony Evans, The Power of God’s Names, p. 45)

Now, let’s explore the meaning of “knows.” This word comes from the Hebrew word “yada.” It signifies knowing deeply and through experience, including observation, care, recognition, instruction, or punishment.

Instead of running into the open arms of a loving God, many of us turn to people, food, activities, or other things to soothe our emotions. It is God’s desire for us to seek Him with our whole heart. He wants to know us deeply and have personal relationships with us.

The Lord knows… a relational and personal God who understands everything about us on a deep level. Even though He is aware of our sins and flaws, He continues to pursue meaningful, intimate relationships. The end of Keller’s quote sums it up perfectly: “To be fully known and truly loved is a lot like being loved by God.”

Head to Heart

Dear Ones, there is so much going on in the world, as shared in the daily news. We can easily become distracted, fearful, and anxious. Sitting at my desk this morning, I am thinking about friends and family who live all around the world.

I ask each of us this question: “Where do you run?”

Caught in the whirlwind of your day and week, does your heart feel lonely, angry, frightened, or sad? Share your heart with Him. He is waiting to hear everything you want to tell Him.

And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.
- Romans 8:27

Finish this sentence according to your current circumstance, challenge, trial, or struggle.
The Lord knows …