Knowing God and knowing ourselves go hand in hand. When we get closer to God we learn more about ourselves. John Calvin, a prominent church teacher and Reformer once wrote that nearly all the true wisdom we might have, that is to say true wisdom and sound wisdom, consist of two parts: the knowledge of God and the knowledge of ourselves.
Jesus let us know that the Holy Spirit will lead and guide us into all truth (John 16:13). The truth Jesus was speaking about pertains to matters of theology like redemption and the attributes of God. This verse also applies to the truth about ourselves. In my prayer journal, most of my entries are bits and peaces of self-discovery which the Holy Spirit has taught me about me. When the Spirit works with us in this way it’s often painful. We might have to change some things about ourselves. Yet, over time we are thankful for this secret work of the Holy Spirit.