Knowing

John 8:32 tells us, “When you know the truth the truth will set you free”. Not when you see the truth or hear the truth, but when you KNOW the truth. But what is knowing? 

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Knowing is absolute.

When we know something we can’t un-know it. We can ignore it. We can trivialize it. We can try to manipulate it. But we cannot un-know it.

Knowing is separate from our senses. It exists independently of all else. It is finite and unchangeable. It doesn’t rely on anything else or need anything else to be. 

Truth is the same. It exists whether we acknowledge it or not. It doesn’t need our interpretations or acceptance. It too is absolute and unalterable. 

And when we know the truth, it does indeed set us free. Free from what?

From lies, from deceit, from ignorance, from apathy. Freedom from anything that leads to fear and uncertainty. Freedom in its purest sense, because it is freedom from the world.

How can we confirm we know something?

We can be assured of knowing when all doubt is removed, despite the world’s attempts to cloud our judgment, offer alternatives, or deceive us into questioning ourselves. 

Knowing doesn’t rely on our senses, though our senses often point us in the right direction. That gut feeling we often experience is a pathway to knowing. But we have to open ourselves to its calling. 

Knowing is not something that can be taught. It has to be experienced. 

For me knowing came during a time of immense chaos and uncertainty. At that moment, I realized that I did not mind what happened, not because I didn’t care, but because I knew without any doubt that God had me. I knew that when the crisis ended, whenever that was, I would be exactly where God meant for me to be. All fear and all uncertainty were removed. In their place, I experienced complete and perfect peace. That’s knowing. That’s truth. That’s freedom.

God assures us, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world,” John 16:33.

God gave us a direct path to peace. It is rooted in knowing and in truth. It is freedom in its purest form. And it already exists in each of us, because God placed it within us even before we took our first breath.  

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I no longer rely on myself.

I rely on Him.

My strength is limited.

His is steadfast.

My understanding is lacking.

His is unlimited.

My soul thirsts.

He is the well.

My spirit falters.

He is my fortress.

My conviction wavers.

He is truth.

My body hungers.

He is the bread of life.

My countenance is weak.

He overcomes.

My steps falter.

He carries me.

My joy is fleeting.

His is new every morning.

My life is temporary.

He is everlasting.

I am in the world.

He has overcome the world.

JN Fenwick (© 2021-2022)

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Thank You, Jesus, for loving me.

For sacrificing Your life,

so I could be free.

For lifting my soul,

from the deception of night. 

For illuminating the darkness,

with your unfailing light. 

Thank You, Jesus,

for the gift of Your peace.

For opening my heart,

to Your purpose in me.

For gracing my soul,

with conviction and truth,

so that You dwell within me,

and I within You.

For this knowing that goes,

beyond all understanding,

for pointing me in the direction,

of Your mercy unfailing.

Thank You, Jesus, for loving me,

for ransoming Your life,

for my eternity. 

JN Fenwick (© 2021-2022)

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