In Touch - Jan. 22, 2009

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Published Jan 21, 2009

January 22, 2009
Knowing God
Philippians 3:8-14

It is possible for a husband to live with his wife for 50 years, eat at the same table, and be aware of her daily activities but never really understand her. In the same way, we can spend our lives attending church, reading books about the Lord, and even talking to Him, without ever truly knowing our Creator.

The Bible repeatedly urges us to know God. That involves reading His Word to discover what the Father reveals about Himself. And then we need to spend time in His presence so we can experience Him in those ways.

For example, Matthew 1:23 calls the Lord Immanuel, which means “God with us.” Jesus promised, “I will not leave you as orphans . . . I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you” (John 14:18-20). Scripture also describes Him as our “very present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1). In other words, God isn’t some distant, future rescuer (Ps. 32:7). He is here and involved right now. And not only does He defend us; He is also the rock where we can find shelter, stability, and strength (Ps. 62:2, Is. 40:31).

Through Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, the Father offers us salvation and a personal relationship with Him. Then He brings us on the journey of sanctification, where He uses life’s circumstances to teach holiness. And through the privilege of serving Him, we are able to know Him more.

Even if you have received God’s gift of salvation, it is possible not to truly know who He is. Stop right now and ask the Holy Spirit to increase your knowledge of the Father (Col. 1:9).

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