James I. Packer wrote, “What makes life worth while is having a big enough objective, something which catches our imagination and lays hold of our allegiance; and this the Christian has in a way that no other man has. For what higher, more exalted, and more compelling goal can there be than to know God?”
Isn’t that quote thrilling? It won’t surprise us to know that the Apostle Paul said something similar in Ephesians 1:17: “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”
To know God…what a wonderful goal. And guess what? God wants us to know Him in truth. (Tweet That!)
When I think about knowing God better, I must confess I can’t really put my finger on how it happens, other than the obvious things like reading the Bible and praying. I know that, but how does it happen in my heart and mind? I’m not sure, but I do know that over the 48 years that I’ve “known” God, my view has somehow changed and definitely deepened.
When I accepted Christ as my Savior as an eighteen-year-old, I viewed God as an ogre who didn’t like fun, held an axe over my head waiting for me to mess up, and couldn’t accept and love me until I became perfect.
I’m so glad the Holy Spirit changed my perspective! How glorious to know Him in truth. Although I’m certainly not claiming to know Him perfectly or always rightly, I do believe I know Him a whole lot better than years ago!
If you seek to know Him better, consider making Moses’ request your own: “Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You [progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with You, perceiving and recognizing and understanding more strongly and clearly] and that I may find favor in Your sight.” (Exodus 33:13 AMP)
What do you think God’s response to Moses was?
Maybe He didn’t answer at all because God likes to stay distant.
Maybe He told Moses, “Are you kidding? I’m not knowable.”
Maybe He told Moses, “When you get good enough, I’ll check in with you.”
Maybe He told Moses, ????? What would you put there? Have you felt like God gave you an answer and it wasn’t very inviting?
Here’s what God actually said to Moses: “And the Lord said to Moses, I will do this thing also that you have asked, for you have found favor, loving-kindness, and mercy in My sight and I know you personally and by name.” (Exodus 33:17 AMP).
Not only does God want to be known, He says He knows us—personally and by name. (Tweet That!) How incredible is that? Do you feel known by God?
The knowledge of God is like a treasure that is constantly being revealed more and more. Some people are close to discovering Him but don’t even realize it. Others aren’t sure that what they think about God is really true and they live in uncertainty and fear. Others have believed a wrong view of God and wonder why they can’t believe He loves them. Where do you think you are?
In 1985 Mel Fisher found a Spanish galleon that had been sunk in 1622 by a hurricane off the Straits of Florida. After searching for this ship for sixteen years, Mel and his crew finally found their treasure. It was worth $400 million.
When the galleon was discovered, not only was its ancient gold and silver uncovered, but also more familiar objects—like monofilament line and sinkers. It turns out that fishermen had sat above the treasure for years, but all they were looking for was fish, when a vast treasure was there for the taking.
God wants you to know Him. Trust that He’ll reveal Himself more and more, just as He promised Moses. Don’t settle for a catch of fish which is like the lies Satan tells about Him. Instead, keep seeking the truth that God reveals about Himself in His Love Letter to you! It’s work seeking Him—I think, even more than $400 million!
Thanks for your willingness to have God use your encouragement to share His Love. I LOVE reading your post …Blessings to you!