Does God know our thoughts?

TL;DR:

God knows our thoughts, as well as the intention of our thoughts. God knowing our thoughts is a comfort because of His great love for us.

Our thoughts are one of the most private things that we have as humans. Unless we speak outright about them, there is no way for anyone else to know our thoughts. Often, this gives us a sense of security and safety regarding the things we think. However, there is one Person who knows our thoughts and loves us anyway. There is nothing God does not know, nowhere that He is not, and nothing that He cannot do (Psalm 139)! We should not fear sharing our thoughts with God because He already knows them (1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalm 91:15; Ephesians 4:22–32).

from the old testament

In Genesis 6:5, it says, “The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” God not only knows our thoughts, but He knows the intentions of them, too.
In Psalm 139:1–2, David tells us: "O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar." There is nothing of which God is unaware. He knows our every thought—the good, the bad, the ugly, the bizarre, and the sinful. He is omniscient, perfect, infinite in knowledge.
We can imitate David in Psalm 139:23–24 when we approach God: "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"

from the new testament

In the New Testament, it is recorded several times that Jesus knew the thoughts of the people around Him (Matthew 9:4; Matthew 12:25; Luke 5:22–23; Luke 6:8; Luke 9:47; Luke 11:17).

implications for today

In Isaiah 55:8, the prophet Isaiah writes, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD." God thinks and acts in ways that exceed our human imagination. God does not need to learn or be taught anything because He is perfect in every way (Psalm 18:30; 1 John 3:20). God is our teacher, and through His Word, we can come to know Him and His ways (John 13:13). He knows the end from the beginning and the answer to all of the whys that we face (Isaiah 46:10). None of our thoughts are too much for God to handle.

Instead, He knows our thoughts, can handle our thoughts, and is the One who helps transform our thoughts (Romans 12:2). It may sound frightening to some that God knows everything we think, but God promises us grace and mercy (Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 2:11; Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 1:9). He is not interested in our thoughts in order to trip us up but in order to build an intimate relationship with us through Jesus Christ. No matter who we are, what we do, or where we go, God continues to seek our hearts, especially those who proclaim that He is Lord (Deuteronomy 4:39; Proverbs 3:1; Romans 10:9; Philippians 2:11)!

If we have accepted that we are sinners and have believed that Jesus died and rose again, then we should also be comforted that we have a Father who loves us and knows us more than we could ever love or know ourselves. Far from being afraid that God knows our thoughts, we can be comforted at the depth of His knowledge of us and the magnitude of His love for us. First John 3:20 encourages, "for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything."

understand

God knows everything, including our thoughts and intentions.
God’s knowledge of our thoughts is not meant to condemn us but to reveal His great love toward us.
God knowing our thoughts can bring comfort because He offers grace, mercy, and far better things than what we can think of or imagine.

reflect

How does the knowledge that God sees your thoughts and intentions, both good and bad, change the way you approach your relationship with Him?
How can you find comfort in knowing that God understands your innermost thoughts and still loves you unconditionally?
Are there any thoughts or intentions that you try to hide from God, and how can you bring those before Him in honesty and openness?

engage

How can we encourage each other to be more open with God, knowing that He already knows our thoughts and intentions?
What are some practical ways to remind ourselves of God's grace and love, especially when our thoughts are not what they should be?
How does understanding that God knows our thoughts help us in extending grace and understanding toward others?