The known God of Israel vs. the unknown God of today
I was recently the first on the scene of a horrific wreck with a brother in Christ. We did everything we could, but my actions fell short of saving a few lives. Still I tried. Still God was there. Still He is sovereign.
In that moment, with chaos all around, the only thing I could think to do was speak the name of Jesus out loud and pray. Afterward, when the shock began to settle in, my heart went to my mom and dad—already in Heaven. Something deep inside me longed to talk to them. I wanted to be heard by my heroes, the people who knew me best.
But then this truth broke through: there is an even greater Hero. One who not only knows me best, but who bends His ear to listen. The psalmist said it this way:
“I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy.
Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.”
— Psalm 116:1–2
The God who parts seas, heals wounds, and raises the dead is not far off. He leans down close to hear the faintest whisper of His children.
The God Who Bends Down to Listen
The psalmist pens words sung at Passover about a God who is known.
A God who bent low to hear him.
A God who entered his story, answered his cry, and proved Himself faithful.
Israel could sing these words with conviction and trust because they had seen the sea split open, manna fall from heaven, and enemies scattered by God’s hand. Their love for Him was anchored in lived rescue and covenant faithfulness. It was anchored in time and experience.
Today, we often hear “God” spoken of as an unknown concept. Distant. Fuzzy. Undefined. Untried. We celebrate His name like it’s a brand logo. The 10 minutes a day becomes a check mark of faith. G. K. Chesterton once observed, “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried.” And yet this psalm pierced through that fog: the Lord is knowable. He listens. He longs to be known.
The Truth we need to hear. In Jesus, the unknowable became knowable. He is the God who leaned more than all the way down—into flesh, into death, into resurrection, and soon glorification—so that we could cry “Father” and be heard.
The questions are not whether God is listening. He bends His ear still. The question(s) are: will we call on Him? Will we spend time with Him? Will we make Him a priority of our day?
Never Finished Challenge
Recall one moment where God clearly heard you. Write it down. Speak it out to someone today.
Pray Psalm 116:1–2 aloud. Make it your own covenant testimony.
When the world treats God as unknown, be the one who says, “I know Him. He heard me.”
What does today say about God?
Knowable.
God is not some distant father, untouchable CEO, or celebrity fantasy. He is knowable. Not just in seasons but forever. And not just a little bit. A lot of bit. Like, the revelation that you will have of God never grows tired. It transformationally increases along with your love—eternally.
What a Father!
What a Friend!
What a King!
Thank you, Jesus!
That was such a powerful testimony brother James It really touched my heart especially when you said God bends down to listen It’s such a beautiful reminder that our Father is never distant but always near Psalm 34: 18 says The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit Even in tragedy and chaos His presence never leaves us He leans in with love mercy and purpose Romans 8 ; 28 reminds us that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him who are called according to His purpose Your faith in that moment crying out the name of Jesus shows what true trust looks like May we all remember that when the world treats God as unknown we can boldly say I know Him He heard me and He is faithful forever Sometimes God allows us to face moments we cannot control so that we can see He alone is in control Isaiah 41 :10 says Fear not for I am with you be not dismayed for I am your God I will strengthen you yes I will help you I will uphold you with My righteous right hand What you shared reminds us that even when our hands fail His never do Our prayers may seem small but they move the heart of a great and mighty God Keep shining your light brother because your testimony is helping others know that the God of Israel is still the same today loving listening and working miracles in the lives of those who call on His name I also wanted to share that our ministry here in India has been seeing God’s hand move in incredible ways Many are hearing the Gospel for the first time and coming to Christ through simple faith and prayer We are preaching in villages baptizing new believers and helping widows and children by the grace of God I tried to text you brother but I think the message didn’t go through Just wanted you to know we are praying for you and thankful for how the Lord is using you to encourage so many