Known: How Believing Who God Says You Are Changes Everything

by Aubrey Sampson

Who am I? Does God see me? Does God love me? What is my purpose?

So much is tied up in our longing to know who we our worth, whether we’re loved, what we’re meant to do with our lives. But there’s a powerful truth that settles every God has named us, and the names he has spoken over us settle every question and pain we have experienced in our search for identity.

Names help us know that we belong and to whom we belong. Names carry authority and power. But we also carry other names―painful, damaging names that we have spoken over ourselves or that others have branded on us. Too often, in times of low self-worth, grief, or failure, we exchange our God-given identity for those false names.

When we believe God’s names for us, we will discover a life lived with purpose and passion. Are you ready to accept God’s invitation to silence the inner voice that keeps you from living freely, joyfully, and confidently?

A lot is at stake in understanding the sacred truth of who you are. The names you believe about yourself impact how you live, how you love, and how you move and bear witness to the gospel.

Hear God has true names that he speaks over you and wants you to hear above the false banter.

Known invites you to understand and embrace what it means to be created and named in the image of God. In the process, it will ignite a passion to speak life-giving names over others, to bless them through the power of the Name that is above every other.

With vulnerability and humor, Aubrey Sampson shows you what it means to be powerfully and personally made and named in the image of God. Everything changes when you believe this incredible You are known by God.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Faith, Book Club, Christian Living, Religion

208 pages, Paperback

Published September 7, 2021

About the author

Aubrey Sampson is the author of Big Feelings Days: A Book about Hard Things, Heavy Emotions, and Jesus's Love, Known: How Believing Who God Says You Are Changes Everything, The Louder Song: Listening for Hope in the Midst of Lament (NavPress/Tyndale, 2015) and Overcomer: Breaking Down the Walls of Shame and Rebuilding Your Soul (Zondervan, 2015). She and her husband and three sons are church planters in the Chicago area. As a writer and speaker, Aubrey offers incredible perspective in the midst of trying experiences. Find and follow Aubrey @aubsamp and www.aubreysampson.com.

Reviews

[Michelle Griep · Rating 4 out of 5]

We've all got names stuck in our craw. Fatty. Pizza face. Yellow belly. But those aren't the names God has for us...and that's what this book is all about. Author Aubrey Sampson delves into biblically exploring what God thinks of his creation, namely us, and how we can take part in naming others. Here's a favorite quote:

"Let's do the work of living out of our good, true names and using good, true names of one another... So name your neighbors, strangers, and enemies with honor. This is your sacred responsibility. Speak dignifying goodness over them and about them. Refuse to tear them down with your words."

If we each did that one little thing, just think of how much better the world would be.

[Janae Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book I will come back to over and over to remind myself of truth.

[Tara Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second garbage fire of a pandemic year, it’s nice to be reminded of who we are, who God is, and who God has called us to be. This book is that reminder. Aubrey writes with such care for her reader and for her story. She writes with wisdom and knowledge of Scripture, but she also writes with a refreshing vulnerability. I found comfort and encouragement in these pages, and I’m eager for other readers to be renewed by Aubrey’s words as well. 

One of the best parts of this book is the robust reflection and discussion guide in the back. This is a book meant to be read in community. Because I was given the privilege of reading the book before publication date, I haven’t been able to read it with my people yet, but I’m excited to do so now. The weather might finally cool off in Arizona soon, and I look forward to getting together in the cool evenings with some friends to read and reflect on this special book. 

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book of vital importance, inviting readers to receive the truth that we are Known and Named by God Himself; living out of the identity that God gives us leads to the abundant life we all long for! Aubrey makes this compelling message accessible by weaving wisdom from Scripture together with her own stories, taking these tremendous lessons out of the realm of idealism and into the real lives of mere mortals that listen for God’s voice: that could be you and me, the readers! The thoughtful Reflection and Discussion Guide makes this a great choice for groups. Highly recommend.

[Sue Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

[Stephanie Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to this book because I am helping to lead worship at a retreat where the theme is Seen and Known. Perfect, right? Well, I can’t wait to share from this book during our times of worship. Powerful, comforting, compelling. Sampson’s words are like a balm to a hurting soul. Want to know who you really are? Listen to the names God gives you. I love the way the book is laid out and the preeminence of Jesus that is obvious throughout. Beautifully done.

[Ann Gemmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book fortified my heart, mind and soul with the truth of God’s particular, intentional and unrelenting love for me as His beloved daughter. Aubrey Sampson does an in depth exploration of the vast implications that as God’s children, we are seen, named, called, known and loved beyond our wildest imaginations. The more we allow this truth to permeate our reality we will forever be changed and as a result can move outward in love, grace and deep compassion for others. I am grateful for this book and highly recommend it’s important message.
I am thankful to have received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley so that I could provide my own honest review of this book.

[Michele Morin · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is an invitation to humanity to come into the presence of God and to be known. Aubrey Sampson explores this life-changing truth, first by reminding readers of who we are, and then highlighting the glorious detail of whose we are. Solid truth is the surest weapon against the lies we live by, and Known: How Believing Who God Says You Are Changes Everything incorporates the ways God has named us and appointed us with our own role as Name Giver in the Kingdom of God.

Named, loved, and known, we reflect God’s work and his ways in the world, and the goal of Sampson’s writing ministry is to help her readers to live in that freedom, unburdened by false names life has pinned to all of us. Scriptural accounts of Jesus’s stories and his dealings with others alongside her own very personal accounts of living her way into an awareness of her belovedness form a convincing argument that God is always working. Believing God’s goodness and trusting his sovereignty in that work becomes confidence and multiplied blessing, for God’s naming is also a sending and a calling into the flourishing lives of others.

Supplementary resources include a reflective discussion guide for deeper study as well as insights into several of the names of God which have been formative for the author. Knowing and believing God is who he says he is and that he will do what he says he will do is key to embracing our identity, safe in the plan of the God who names us, knows us, and loves us so well.

Many thanks to NavPress and Net Galley for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which is, of course, offered freely and with honesty.

[Amanda Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world where everyone is trying to be known, Known by Aubrey Sampson is an important reminder of the truth. “You are the spitting image of God, breathed to life from God’s own breath, born from the DNA of his superb creativity, crafted from his hands, cradled in his heart, and brought to life on earth in order to reflect his image wherever you go.” Aubrey takes her Biblical background and her personal stories to make this book relatable to her readers. Known is broken in 3 parts. Part 1-Who You Are, Part 2-Whose You Are and Part 3-How It Changes Everything. Aubrey has included a Reflection and Discussion Guide at the end of the book. Each chapter has scripture reading, questions, and a prayer prompt to go along with it. This book is perfect for your next Bible study. Grab Known, your Bible, a journal, and start reading today!

[Sue Fellows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Known caught my eye for a couple of reasons. First, I am drawn to books that dig into one subject and goes in deep. Also, this was a new author to me, and I like to explore what they bring to the table in their work. So, I was expecting a work that developed the theme of Known and that is what I found! Developed in 3 parts this book explores who we are, whose we are and how those changes everything. I was impressed with the outline, and I found it blessed my socks off!

This book met my expectations and then some. The depth of Aubrey Sampson’s spirit and love for the Word of God comes through very strongly. I was brought into her spirit as she passionately developed the idea of being Known by God. Yes, I know that God knows me, He created me! But going about the subject as being known brings it up close, personal, and relevant every day. The names she uses for being known are comforting, familiar and encouraging. But it also ignites a call for action as she develops the idea how being known changes everything in our lives.

In the chapter titled “Unveiled”, 2 quotes stood out for me. In her words, “nothing is greater than God can hold” and “suffering leads to a greater unveiling of Jesus image in us”. This quote from the chapter titled “You Are Sent” also touched my heart, “your beingness, your namedness is essential to your beingness.” Knowing who we are, and knowing our God given names enables us to look and become more like Jesus. And when you finish reading this book you are challenged to become more like Jesus in your inner and outer life.

I think this book appeals to anyone who wants to explore what it means to be known by God, because you will be able to live a more fulfilling life that reflects the image of God when you understand who you are, whose you are and why that changes everything. I recommend this book to the seekers of God, and to all who seek encouragement and teachings in how their lives can better reflect the image of God in everyday living.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Known" talked about how accepting God's names for you can free you from the hurtful, untrue names you've been told and change how you live. I appreciate that the author used Scripture both for supporting verses as well as examples of name changes. The author made good points about names and frequently used examples from her own life showing how a new name or a new understanding of a name change her. For example, she felt ashamed about being "Needy" until she realized that we're created to need God. She talked about finding the name at the root of an issue that you struggle with and how you can be transformed and healed when you're renamed. She also pointed out how humankind bears the image of God and our worth comes from God.

I must admit that I'd expected the focus to be on actual names given to all believers in the Bible, but many of her examples were personal names. Things that people hurtfully name you and how God, through prayer, can give you a new name. Unfortunately, the author's wandering style often left me wondering what the main point of a chapter was meant to be. I was also distracted by the author switching to present tense to describe past events (as people usually do that in past tense). Overall, though, I'd recommend this book.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Nancy Kennaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Aubrey's Sampson's book "A Louder Song" urges hurting believers to lean into God's arms through lamentations, her brand new book "Known" pushes believers to recalibrate their mirrors, eliminating the negative self-talk and identifying instead by the names God has given us. It is personal and biblical without being too theological to understand and I believe it can be Life. Changing.
"Known" teaches the (naturally sinful) believer to put aside the negative self identifiers which were ingrained perhaps long ago - or even just recently, and learn instead to apply the names God has given us. God only sees us as completely righteous ALWAYS. His names are the only ones we need.

This is an essential book for anyone feeling beat down by life's challenges or past mistakes as it is a tremendously healing instrument. "Known" reveals that believers can take deep comfort by embracing the names God has given. Anyone involved in counseling believers will find this little book extremely helpful as it applies true comfort directly from God.

At the end of the book there is a meaty study which digs a little deeper, going so far as to include the Church and it's self-image. So good.

"Known" is almost like emergency first aid on the battlefield, the timing of which is God's alone!

[Stephanie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an early copy of the book. The topic particularly resonated with me as I am in a season of transition. So many voices outside of ourselves as well as in our world attempt to define us. But God who has many names created us as image bearers. Therefore, the names we cling to should be rooted in what is revealed through the Biblical story. Aubrey's writing is both scholarly and personal. She lifts up scriptural names spoken over us and shares them within their contexts. Yet she shares her own personal illustrations to help the reader understand how those names "flesh" out in our humanity. I appreciated the way the book is organized and came around full circle to claiming our names through knowing Jesus. This book deeply spoke to my soul and reminded me that God who created us, gave us names that can never be taken away. The questions at the end allow for deeper individual and group reflection.

[Nicole Rasmussen Wiens · Rating 5 out of 5]

So often I struggle with outside voices having influence in how I see myself and where I look to for my worth, or validation. Known helped recenter that for me. It awakened my soul to the names my Father in heaven calls me. I am loved, I am valued, I serve a purpose, and I was created on purpose. I am his beloved creation, a daughter of the most high, and knowing your true worth and identity makes a huge difference in how you hold yourself, and how you live.

Highly recommend this book. After the last 18 months we have been living we can all use the reminder of who our Daddy says we are.

Nicole W.

[Lindsey Zarob · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the heart of so many of our struggles seems to be an understanding of who and whose we really are. In Known, Aubrey Sampson speaks with gentle, wise and caring authority about the truth that in the end, no one gets to name us but the one true God. Her personal experience weaved throughout the book makes you feel like you are reading from a trusted friend and not just a talking head. She leads you into the Scriptures and shows you how exactly we are known and how God lovingly and with the utmost of care has in fact named us--we are not left to the names others might give us, circumstances and traumas might declare over us, but to His for us. I very much recommend this book.

[Andy Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a refreshingly honest work, and Aubrey Sampson isn't afraid to make herself vulnerable by sharing stories from her own life. Aubrey lets the reader know, in no uncertain terms, that our identity is determined by our Creator, not by the world around us. A healing journey of shedding hurtful and crippling names and taking on the names of the God who knows and loves us. For anyone who has ever struggled with issues of acceptance, self-worth, or the struggle to "fit in", this book is well worth the read. I used this book for small group study and found the discussion guide to be incredibly valuable resource.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio

Great reminder of who we are in Christ and how to go about loosening the grip of names we’ve been given throughout our lives and replacing them with the names God has given us.

Especially meaningful to me was a side concept, the idea of having a safe place in one’s house (a chair) where she takes and wrestles with ungodly names and sins the Lord illuminates (but leaves them there when she’s not tackling them so it’s only under the guidance of the Lord—maybe I’ve gotten the details wrong but that’s how it hit me in a me in a meaningful way—I like this intention of wrestling privately and in a dedicated way rather than letting them come out in ugly unformed ways among those around us)

[Patricia Jaracz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life, others, and even we ourselves give us personal labels and names that hurt. But our God is a Name Giver Who both knows us and names and re-names us with a sacred identity. In Known, Aubrey Sampson assures us about that identity and also gives us pictures of how it reveals itself in our everyday lives. My favorite chapters were "You are the Currency of His Kingdom" and "You are a Name Giver". I’m excited to walk in my newly discovered covering and enabling of my sacred names!

[Cheryl Bostrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently I snapped up an ARC of Aubrey Sampson’s forthcoming (September 7) book Known: How Believing Who God Says You Are Changes Everything. The title promised what I indeed found inside its pages: an exposition of Truth that has cloaked and nourished and fortified me for decades now. Truth that says this:

You and I are beloved. Named. Known. All with tenderness, power, forgiveness and intimacy that usurps every lie we may have believed about ourselves.

Unfortunately, in a world as broken and lie-riddled as ours, we may miss the beautiful names the Lord gives us that affirm how well he knows us and how deeply he loves us. Or we may refuse those names. Doing either will keep us from our true identities and purpose.

Author Sampson understands this, and so, in the first part of her book, she systematically makes the case for who we are, whose we are, and how those facts can alter our lived realities. Corroborating her case with Scripture, she clinches the deal so convincingly that many readers will gladly give their intellectual assent.

But.

Believing something rationally is a far cry from absorbing Truth into one’s being so that it becomes a lived reality. Sampson knows this, too. In response, she provides the second section of the book, her marvelous Reflection and Discussion Guide, which, when patiently, prayerfully digested, will usher readers into a new level of personal growth—and nearness to God.

It’s here, through this discussion guide, that the book becomes more than just another well-written, informative work of Christian non-fiction. Fully employed, it will make this book transformative for those who absorb its gift.

Whether you read this book individually or in groups, take your time with it, and own what’s inside. You’ll never be the same.

[Heather Case · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with transformational truth! When we come to understand we are deeply and completely known by our creator, the God of the universe, it has the power to change everything! This book shows us that when we live “known” it can change how we experience our own thoughts and feelings, and how we interact in every other relationship in our lives! Thank you Aubrey Sampson for sharing this life-giving message with us!

[Nancy Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aubrey has a powerful, authentic, and tender voice for the hurting, hidden, silent, and maligned. This book offers answers to questions we didn't even realize we were asking - answers that help us realize and recognize how much God loves us and holds us close to Him even in our most difficult days. I recommend reading it slowly and giving yourself time to chew in between chapters and sections. Savor the words, my lovelies. You won't be disappointed.

[Mhughessc · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Known: How Believing Who God Says You Are Changes Everything", by Aubrey Sampson, is an excellent Bible study for women. We as women spend too much time being concerned about what others around us think of us and what they say we are. Instead, Sampson encourages women to believe in the things God says about us. Each chapter began with a new assertion about who we are in Christ. This was an encouraging and enjoyable book.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Angelique · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second book by Aubrey. Known is a gorgeous book reminding us that we are known by God, seen by God and deeply loved by God. Isn’t that one of the deepest desires of our hearts? To be seen and understood and accepted? We are named, beloved, by our good God. I highly recommend this book!

[Kelly Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a MUST READ! Chapter after chapter, I found myself relating so much to Aubrey's stories. I felt like we were sitting down in conversation & she was inviting me into a new season of renewed identity in Christ. I truly believe that this book will challenge you in all of the right ways and give you guidance to walk in the TRUE identity Christ came to give you.

[Emily Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the message of Known - which is really God's message to us, that we are known and loved and seen! If you need a reminder, or to learn for the first time, of the truth and love that God speaks over you, then this book is for you!

[Gaye Parnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read this book I feel arms wrapped around me with a reassuring hug. It's a beautiful, easy read. Reading it helped me realize names I had put on myself long ago that I never needed to hold on to. It's freeing and encouraging.

[Alexandrea Scholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aubrey’s words truly are a balm to the soul and come at a time when these words need to be washed over me. If you have struggled with what it means to be truly known by God then stop and read this piece of art.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book overall. Due to the season I am currently walking through, some of the topics Aubrey talked about (such as being sexually assaulted and her friends’s cancer) were difficult for me to read. But the book did have some good takeaways.

[Mikaela Kiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aubrey is a such a wonderful storyteller and woman of God. She weaves God's powerful truths with personal stories that draw the reader in. I couldn't pick a favorite chapter if I tried!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Good to ponder over and think about the names God has given us.