Identity - Knowing God 9

Continuing our study of a healthy self esteem based in the security of knowing God, we observe God in nature.

Romans 1: 20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Even the illiterate have no excuse. God can be known. Psalms 19;1-2 reiterates: The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.

A caution here. What is the result of knowing God only through nature? Pantheism, the belief that God is the sum of all beings, forces, etc. in the universe. “I’m god, you’re god, a tree is god. I have a friend who wears a t-shirt stating, “as soon as you realize I’m god, we’ll get along just fine.” This view negates the personal God that is vitally interested in each mortal within his creation and expects accountability.

The Psalms 19 passage presents in the first six verses an observation of God in nature. Verses seven through eleven jump abruptly to the significance of God’s law. “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the whole person…and in keeping of it there is great reward.”

Thus, in Psalms 19:1-6 we view in nature our Father/God, Creator. We balance this perception in verses 7 to 11 with knowing him in his law, the Bible. As we obey his word there is great reward.

We’re not finished with Psalms 19. The chapter concludes with a challenge to internalize God. To allow Him to penetrate through our protective devises that hides our inner ugliness even from ourselves.
The Amplified version reads:12-13 “Who can discern his lapses and errors? Clear me from hidden and unconscious faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me.”

Do you catch the progression here: know God through his creation; know Him more deeply through the Word and let God scrutinize you for cleansing, resulting in verse 14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my firm, impenetrable rock and my redeemer.” (Amplified)

How are we doing, knowing God?