Daily Devotional, Nov 11, 2023 Battle of the Brains
"For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything."
1 John 3:20
One of the more popular Quiz shows in the 1990s is the Battle of the Brains. There, students representing their schools battle it out to be named most knowledgeable of all.
But who is the most knowledgeable of all? When it comes to omniscience, even the brain powers of all the smartest scientists, combined with those of the brightest historians cannot ever equal the all-knowing power of our Lord God Almighty. He knows everything, He sees everything, and we cannot hide anything from Him:
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Romans 11:33)
For those that abide with the Lord, His being omniscient is a source of comfort. In Psalm 139, King David wrote his amazement over this quality of the Lord:
“O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.” Psalm 139:1-4
How can we not rejoice over His knowledge about us, our thoughts, and our ways? He knows even the deepest desires of our hearts and He longs to prosper us. And so for him who abides, he can rest assure that if his longings are in His will, and stands to glorify His name and power, He will provide:
“In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” John 16:23-24
But how can we have the confidence to ask? Like children, we know we can ask for a new toy or a treat when we have been obedient and good. It is the same with us Christians. Although we cannot do it through righteousness because we can never pass heaven’s standards without Jesus’ sacrifice, we will have the confidence to go the Lord if we are fellowshipping with Him:
“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” (John 14:21)
As for those who have yet to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, there is still hope. Know that He knows everything that is in your heart, and that He longs to bless you. As long as you seek His forgiveness and start abiding by Him, he can wash away all that guilt and renew you. In 1 Chronicles 28:9 He promises to reveal Himself to those who seek Him:
“And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.”
Let us take heart in the Lord’s wisdom. That He knows what we need even before we ask Him. That He knows both our strengths and weaknesses, and He longs to comfort us and forgive us if we only ask Him. Let us trust His plans and surrender ours to Him so that we could live in the peace and contentment that only our Sovereign King can give. We may never know what the future has in store for us, but if we trust the author of our story, we can rest assured that the best plans are laid for us and all will be well.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Psalm 139 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Are you comforted at the thought that God knows everything? How can His omniscience help ease your fears and worries today?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for being the omniscient God that you are. For knowing everything about me, and how my life will unfold. Help me to fully trust in You so that I can finally rest my life in Your power and have the confidence to live my life according to your will and purpose. Amen.