In the story of the Prodigal Son, the Bible says, he gathered all his possessions together and “took a journey into a far country.” In other words, he wanted to get away from his father’s watching eyes. Many people try to do the same thing with God. If only they can get out of his watching eyes, then they will be free to do what they really want. Alas, we learn that God is everywhere. There is no escape from his eyes. That attribute of God is called “God’s Omniscience.”
When you did deeper into this you will see that God’s omniscience is a good thing for Christians for several reasons:
- It means there are no surprises. God knows everything about us and understands us completely – our thoughts, feelings, struggles etc. We don’t have to try to explain ourselves to God or wonder if He gets us. He already understands. Years ago, Hollywood made a movie called “Defending your Life.” In it the characters had to stand before God and explain why they acted like they did. They had to defend their lives. That is very simplistic. We don’t stand before God so he can find out what we did and why. We don’t have to explain anything. He knows all about us and loves us anyway.
- It means we can’t hide any sin or mistake from God. This should motivate us to live openly and honestly before God since He sees all anyway.
- It allows God to guide us perfectly because He knows our future and can see the consequences of our actions. His infinite wisdom and knowledge means His guidance for our lives is trustworthy.
- It provides assurance that God knows our needs before we even ask and nothing escapes His attentive care for His children. Our loving Father is intimately acquainted with all our ways.
- It inspires awe and worship of God. The depth of His knowledge is unimaginable for us as humans. Realizing this should humble us and draw us to reverence.
Further reading on the Omniscience of God:
“Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite” (Psalm 147:5 NKJV).
Our God is all-knowing. He possesses infinite understanding and awareness. As Psalm 139:4 declares, “Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.” There is nothing that escapes His notice.
I remember playing “hide and seek” as a child. I would find clever hiding spots, stay extremely quiet, and wait eagerly to see how long it would take my friends to find me. Sometimes I would even sneak across the yard to a new location while they searched the old one! Of course, I could never fully escape their pursuit.
In the same way, we can never hide anything from our omniscient God. He knows our actions, thoughts, and motives more intimately than we know ourselves. Jesus said in Matthew 10:30 that “even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”
God’s infinite knowledge can be frightening at first. We are exposed and known thoroughly. But it also offers great comfort. No struggle or pain escapes His notice. No tear goes unwitnessed. He understands and cares for us better than any earthly parent ever could.
So take heart today. Bring your full self to God – joys, pains, questions and all. Rest in the security that you are fully seen and known by your loving Father. His perfect knowledge leads to perfect love and care. You never walk alone.
Lonnie Davis