One of the defining attributes of God is His omniscience. The Bhagavad Gita points to this divine quality, declaring not only that He knows the past, present, and future, but also that He knows everyone, though no one knows Him (7.26). What does this asymmetry in knowledge mean for our relationship with the Lord, especially as it unfolds amid life’s complexities?
The implications of divine omniscience for us can be unpacked through three devotional affirmations that can steady and strengthen us amid life’s storms.
- “I know You know better.”
This affirmation serves as a reminder that the Lord sees far beyond what we can perceive. Even if we have thought long and hard about our predicament and concluded that the situation is hopeless, divine omniscience reassures us that He knows solutions and resources that we cannot even begin to fathom.
When life seems to spiral out of control and no path to recovery or redemption seems visible, remembering the Lord’s omniscience can help us stay grounded. By trusting that He knows better, we can avoid panicking or quitting and instead patiently wait to see where He is taking us.
- “I know You know me better.”
Sometimes, we may feel utterly unqualified to handle the responsibilities or challenges thrust upon us. These feelings of inadequacy may be expressions of both humility and honesty. Yet, it’s vital to remember that the Lord knows us better than we know ourselves.
He understands the abilities, interests, and potentials He has planted within our hearts. If He has brought us to a particular situation, He has also factored in our weaknesses and will provide the resources or guidance needed to address them. Trusting in His understanding of us can help us rise to challenges with confidence and perseverance.
- “I know You know how to help me become better.”
Even when we feel incapable of dealing with life’s demands—whether externally in terms of abilities or internally in terms of maturity—we can trust that the Lord knows how to guide us toward growth.
From a microscopic cell in our mother’s womb, we grew into full-fledged human beings under His care, without any conscious knowledge of the process. Similarly, He is potent enough to facilitate our growth at the psychological, philosophical, and spiritual levels. By relying on His omniscience, we can trust in His ability to guide us to play our part in our own growth journey.
When we reflect on the personal and powerful implications of divine omniscience, we can find reassurance and rejuvenation to continue serving the Lord amid life’s complexities, perplexities, and adversities.
Summary:
- When facing difficulties, the affirmation “I know You know better” reassures us that the Lord sees the bigger picture and can resolve situations beyond our comprehension.
- The affirmation “I know You know me better” reminds us that the Lord understands our weaknesses and will reveal resources and potentials to help us overcome challenges.
- The affirmation “I know You know how to help me become better” assures us that the Lord will guide us in our growth journey, no matter how inconceivable it seems to us.
Think it over:
- What are the implications of divine omniscience as we face challenges in the world?
- Which of these affirmations do you find most reassuring, and why?
- List three ways to elaborate on or personalize that affirmation so it becomes more impactful and empowering for you.
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07.26 O Arjuna, as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, I know everything that has happened in the past, all that is happening in the present, and all things that are yet to come. I also know all living entities; but Me no one knows.
Feeling the presence of GOD at every moment is true devotion