In my life, I have often heard this expression of speech. It usually follows a half-hearted confession and says, “… but, God knows my heart.” Sometimes it’s an attempt to justify personal sin. Usually, though, I assume it’s a cover up for a lack of discipline. You know, a failure to follow through with a well-intentioned thought.

You’ve been there, done that, and you meant to get the t-shirt too. Right?

However, “God knows my heart” is kind of like saying, yeah I messed up but God knows that I’m really not that bad of a person. Oh yes, the human heart can be quite deceptive. The heart of many of our life matters is quite often a matter of the heart.

So, let’s focus our hearts on this eternal fact – God knows.

This revelation is clear for those who have read and understand the Bible. Our God is all knowing. He is the omniscient God of everything that is in existence.

For me, this knowledge means that I can trust the judge of all the Earth to always do right. His character is unquestionable. With His intimate knowledge of every person of every event of all time, we find that God is faithful.

Under the banner of His character, there are many different facets of faithfulness exhibited. Knowing that God knows all and is faithful above all should inspire you to greater faithfulness.

Yes, God knows! Consider these three areas of life that God knows all about and the need for greater faithfulness.

• God knows your deeds. He knows every action and work of your life. He knows which ones are actually done for His glory and because of love for Him.

The Church of Ephesus received this message. “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil.” “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love” (Revelation 2:2, 4).

The heart of the matter is that this working congregation had left their first love behind (see Rev. 2 for the context). In their zeal to do more, the disease of busy-ness took the place of knowing and loving Christ. It was clear that they needed to repent, return their hearts to Christ, and redo their first works.

• God knows your giving. He knows every ounce of generosity in your life. He knows when you have given an offering cheerfully or begrudgingly. He also knows when you have given sacrificially by faith.

One day Jesus sat within view of the church treasury and watched how people dropped their copper coin offerings into the metal trumpet-shaped offertory. He saw that many affluent individuals gave large and noisy offerings. But one widow came by and dropped in two small copper coins.

Jesus says, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had” (Luke 21:3-4). See also Mark 12:41-44.

On that day it became clear that God knows which hearts were truly giving by faith and which ones were simply there to be seen and make some noise.

• God knows your relationship. He knows your relationship status with Him. He knows if you are in Him or if you are simply somewhat religious. Religion without relationship is a cruel form of ungodliness, with the potential to cause much destruction.

Paul’s son in the faith, Timothy, received much wisdom from his mentor. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul instructed Timothy: Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” See the context of 2 Timothy 2:14-19 here.

This was a matter of whose heart is it anyway and Timothy was assured by God’s foundational seal. The Lord knows them that are His. Behavior reflects relationship. That is indeed the heart of the matter.

Yes, God knows your heart. That is both a comforting and challenging thought. The heart of the matter is that God knows the heart of your deeds, giving, and relationship.

As well, He knows what things you have need of before you even became cognizant of them. Beloved, His heart is pursuing yours and I believe He has spoken to you through this devotional message.

Which of these three areas (deeds, giving, or relationship) do you sense a need for greater faithfulness? How will you do better? God is faithful and just and He wants to help you today.

Is there something I can help you pray about? Post a public comment at the bottom of this page or contact me privately through the form at the bottom of this link.