Knowing God

What may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.

Romans 1:19 niv

The amount of information we take in daily is incalculable. What we see, hear, smell, taste, touch with our fingers—anything we experience—is all being interpreted and logged into our brains. We typically do not have to think too much about familiar experiences and how to translate them. However, when something new comes into our lives, it can throw us off. We can start to try to make sense of it by trying to develop a new interpretation (not knowing until much later if that interpretation is true) or, in the moment, we can recall what we already know to be true and use that lens to help us navigate the new experience.

Sometimes this can explain what happens to us when we have a negative encounter in life. The event surprises us. We stumble to figure it out, figure out our next step—coming up with thoughts or ideas that could be distorted, misleading, or false. While we are spinning to make sense of it all, we forgot what we already know. We have forgotten the foundation that has offered us hope in all situations. And that hope is knowing God.

We can all admit that we don’t know everything about life or everything about God, but we do know some things. One thing we do know is that he is a loving God that never changes. If we remember nothing else, we can approach any situation in life through this lens and know that God loves us. In our approach, we have the opportunity to learn even more about God and his ways. And because he loves us, he will do what is best for us. It may not immediately solve the problem, but with a lens of love we can persevere.

Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life’s problems fall into place of their own accord.

J. I. Packer

But to enjoy him we must know him. Seeing is savoring. If he remains a blurry, vague fog, we may be intrigued for a season. But we will not be stunned with joy, as when the fog clears and you find yourself on the brink of some vast precipice.

John Piper

Bible study without Bible experience is pointless. Knowing Psalm 23 is different from knowing the shepherd.

Kingsley Opuwari Manuel

For Further Reflection

Psalm 119:160; Psalm 25:5; John 1:14

Today’s Prayer

Lord, I pray you help me to accept the truth of what you want me to experience and leave the rest behind. Please help me to be aware of when I start to develop my own truth and submit them to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.