Knowing and Enjoying God 11

“What COMES INTO OUR MINDS WHEN WE THINK ABOUT God is the most important thing about us. The most remarkable fact about any man is not what he at a given time may say or do, but what he in his deep heart conceives God to be like.” (A.W.Tozer in Knowledge of the Holy)

Our perception of God will “color our world view.” As we see God as a loving heavenly father who wants to work all things for our good, we’re more comfortable in life, even when adverse situations strike hard blows. “You earthly fathers being evil, love to give good gifts to your children, how much more does your heavenly father want to give to you.” Matthew 7:11.

Definitions are usually an important place to begin a discussion. We haven’t defined “KNOW” yet. ”In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for know is yada. It denotes an intimate acquaintance with someone (Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible). A personal relationship is implied between an individual and the object. This could be a spiritual relationship between worshipper and deity. It could be a social relationship between two people. Or it could be a sexual relationship between husband and wife.

In the New Testament the word for “know” is “ginosko.” Vine’s Expository Dictionary defines it as a relation between the person knowing and the object known. The focus is often a progression of knowledge, rather than a complete knowledge. A knowing that is ever growing. A relationship ever deepening in intimacy, like a good marriage: 2 people growing in knowledge and love for each other.

It might be helpful to think of one of the most meaningful relationships you’ve ever experienced – may be a boy/girl friend, a spouse, a close friend. Walk through the steps in building that relationship. How did it develop? Can this be applied to relationship with God?

“What COMES INTO OUR MINDS WHEN WE THINK ABOUT God is the most important thing about us. The most remarkable fact about any man is not what he at a given time may say or do, but what he in his deep heart conceives God to be like.”

With a perception of God as our loving Heavenly Father, life takes on a healthy positive outlook of “everything will work out for my good,” no matter the dire circumstances. Oh, that doesn’t mean the emotional center is turned off. Fear can arise (like during our current economic crisis). But as we center on God’s sovereignty and care for His children, stability reigns. Trust in Him takes over. Fear diminishes. David says it well in Psalm 34.

I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles.For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need.Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.