You know what’s wild? How many of our internal experiences occur outside the grasp of anyone else on this earth. Thoughts. Feelings. Frustrations. Temptations. Even elations. All covered in layers of subtlety, intensity, nuances, and complexity. Trying to share these experiences is like witnessing a breathtaking sunrise and snapping a picture with an old disposable camera. There’s effort involved yet what comes out lacks the full truth of your experience.

Some of our internal world, though, we are glad to hide away. If some people knew what we really thought, felt, did, or experienced, they may not even be able to look us in the eyes. Or if they knew our burden, they would certainly be burdened themselves. We may hold those cards closer to our chest.

The author of Hebrews illustrates the reality of our sin laid bare before God—and Jesus, our perfect High Priest, making full atonement so we may approach God with confidence:

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:13-16).

Not only are we known deeply and intimately apart from our own efforts, but the Holy Spirit also intercedes for us when we can’t make sense of it all, working for our good when we lack the words to express our pain or need.

Psalm 139:1 reminds us that we’re not so alone in our experiences after all. David writes, “You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.” Our burdens are not too heavy for our God, and despite every stain of sin we try to hide away, God continues to seek us, guide us, and love us.

It’s a beautiful experience to be deeply known by someone here on earth, knowing forgiveness and love despite our flaws and mistakes. We all long to be known; we are created for connection. Desiring to know and care for others as deeply as Christ himself knows and loves us is a worthy pursuit. As we seek to imitate him in this way, the Holy Spirit may use us to show light and hope where another may have only experienced darkness and loneliness.

Both the sunrises and sufferings of your life are fully known by a God who shares in your joys and sorrows, forgives sin, promises hope, and continues to pursue you with unfathomable love.