Family and friends, brothers and sisters, coworkers, students in our classes … we like to think we know them well. Sometimes we finish each other’s sentences or even place their order in a restaurant — boasting that we are experts at what they like.

Here are a few examples:

• I know, without a doubt, that if a restaurant is inspired by New Orleans cuisine, my husband will want to eat there.
• If I’m looking for a birthday card and I find one with a butterfly on it, I know my mom will love it. The card could be blank inside and she’d still treasure what’s on the front.
• Two words: Elvis Presley. If he’s on the radio, my dad’s sure to be in a good mood.
• Passenger, steam engine, or subway … no matter what kind of train is in the book, my son will want to read it.

These little details have made their way into my memory — and help me to feel close to those closest to me. I have come to enjoy what they do and take pride in identifying what makes them happy. Po’ boys and king cake, monarchs, “Blue Suede Shoes,” and Thomas the Train … I’m ready for any trivia you throw my way.

But just as I may think I know everything there is to know about my inner circle, I know nothing in comparison to what the Lord knows about them. Here are a few things He knows, thanks to Psalm 139:

• When they sit, stand, and all of their thoughts: Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off (verse 2).
• Everything they do: And art acquainted with all my ways (verse 3).
• Everything they say: For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether (verse 4).
• Where they’ve been and where they’re going: Thou hast beset me behind and before (verse 5).

March 29, April 17, June 5, and August 9. I know my family’s birthdays … but God knew the day they would be conceived even before they were (verse 14). He knows the number of hairs on our head, the color of our eyes and what our toes look like. He created us and thinks about us constantly (How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.) (verses 17-18)

About a year ago, one of my closest friendships came to an end. Life had taken us on separate paths and we each had differing priorities. It hasn’t been easy to let the friendship go — especially because I thought I knew this person very deeply and that we’d be friends for the rest of our lives.

But, what I have been reminded of during the course of the year is that while we may think we know someone well — and we do in many instances! — God will always know more. And, He should be the one we turn to for things big and small. Our friendships and various relationships have a place in our life — He put them there for a reason, after all — but the closest relationship we should have is with our Maker. We should strive to know everything about Him (albeit impossible!) and we should be able to list a myriad of His likes and dislikes. He knows each of us — every last detail — and relishes in it. Why not spend some time getting to know Him a little more?

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.