Knowing God

“And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent“ (Jn 17:3). Knowing God begins with being born-again by receiving Him who is the way, the truth and the life (Jn 1:12, 3:16-18, 14:6; Act 10:43; Rom 10:9). This initiates a relationship with the Triune God, not just the cold, lifeless accumulation of facts about God.

It is through the Holy Spirit we come to new life in Christ. At conversion He takes up residence within us and the lines of communication are established as He continues to help us comprehend the ways of God (1 Cor 2:14, 6:19). All believers have a measure of

This is a heart (not just head) issue

the Holy Spirit, yet we are exhorted to be filled in an on-going basis (Eph 5:18). This is evident not as a mystical or emotional feeling but as a continuing surrender to His will through conscious obedience. The Holy Spirit will convict us of sin and disobedience that creates a barrier with God who is Holy (Isa 59:2; 1 Pet 1:15,16). He won’t allow these issues to be ignored or concealed, after all it’s in our long-term best interest to deal with them. After sinning we instinctively run from God in shame and guilt, instead of honestly and with repentance turning to Him because we can’t fix ourselves, yet through Jesus provision has been made (1 Jn 1:9). Have sensitive ‘ears’ and a tender heart that responds to His promptings as you go about your daily life. Reflect on His goodness and loving dealings with you, commune in your heart with Him throughout the day, not just in the planned times of interaction.

God desires to communicate with mankind as was evident in the Garden of Eden (Gen 1:28-31, 2:16,17, 3:8ff). He delights when we reciprocate. He does not want to remain aloof and impersonal, rather He wants to connect and interact with us. Satan will oppose our endeavours and there will be seasons of spiritual dryness and intense trials, besides times when God is silent. These will test our resolve to continue pressing on to know Him more deeply. However, basically we are as close to the Lord as we want to be – if we seek after Him, we will find Him, whereas if we don’t put in the effort we won’t discover the riches that are available in Him (Jer 29:13). Place a high value on your relationship with Him and develop a devotional time of dedicated interaction. Walking independently of God is not an option for a person who desires to know Him more closely.

The study of God’s Word is vital, as it is His primary way of communicating with us. Just as new-born babies need their mother’s milk, so we need the nourishment of His Word for it is the guidebook for life (2 Tim 3:16,17; 1 Pet 1:23-25, 2:2,3). Meditating on its truths will engrain them in our hearts, and we will be blessed as they are outworked in our lives (Josh 1:8; Jas 1:22-25).

Prayer is our primary way of communicating with Him as we unburden our hearts in a one-on-one audience with Him. Although He knows what is in our hearts anyway it is beneficial to articulate our innermost concerns to Him. This should not just be a brief

He knows me, do I really know Him?

time of sharing my heart with Him and then quickly reverting back to the affairs of this life but rather involves quality time spent in His presence, communing with Him, presenting my requests but also providing Him the opportunity to speak to me (1 Sam 3:10). The term waiting on God is sometimes used for it takes dedicated, consistent effort to hear; not that God is reluctant, but our sinful nature is at variance with His holy character and so far out of tune with His.

Besides regular attendance at a Bible-preaching church, we should be in a close and honest relationship with a smaller group of believers (such as in life/cell groups) who can encourage and challenge us as we journey together in fellowship along the pathway to heaven.

Periodically fasting, having an extended time (a day or weekend) devoted to seeking God about specific concerns, can be a source of great blessing. Insights can be gained from reading books about the Christian life and believers who have had an intimate experience with Lord. Some find it beneficial to meet occasionally with an older, spiritually mature, wise and prayerful mentor.

Make knowing Him a continual priority, for those who have an intimate experience with God will have a strong faith and He will give enabling to be victorious (Dan 11:32). Coming into a deeper relationship with God will bring

Don't be cheated out of really knowing Him

a growing understanding of our own selves too. Our perceived strengths can be potential weaknesses or vulnerable areas if we think we can handle these without continual help and reliance on the Lord. Paul said the grace of God was more than sufficient and of greater value than would be the removal of any affliction or weakness in his life (2 Cor 12:9,10). He was convinced the affliction could not be withdrawn without forgoing the benefit it provided.

We are to love Him with every part of our being (Mk 12:30). Is there something He is requiring you to lay on the altar – it may not be wrong in itself but is commanding more of your attention than is right (Ex 20:3). He is to be our all-consuming passion. As Christians, we are channels connected to the divine life-source. The blessings and on-going refreshing we receive should naturally flow out to others (Jn 7:38). What He does in us is so others can be blessed through us. Do not be like the Dead Sea that only receives life-sustaining water and does not give out.

Abraham was called the friend of God (Jas 2:23). This came about by his faith and obedience. Jesus said, “You are my friends if you do what I command” (Jn 15:14). Pauls heart cry was “that I may know Christ” (Phil 3:10). He had experienced immense suffering to reach the level of intimacy he already knew yet was prepared to be subject to more to attain a higher level. What value do I put on knowing God more?