KNOWING GOD

“Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life’s problems fall into place of their own accord.” ― J.I. Packer, Knowing God.

The ultimate goal of every Christian is to get to know God. The Bible makes this very clear. The good news is that God wants us to know Him. The Holy Spirit helps us understand what we must do to get to know God on a spiritual level and then get to know Him better. Getting to know God better is, as in human relationships, a gradual, slow process that can take time. This process requires time, patience, and, above all, commitment and sincerity. But it is so worth it. When we open our hearts to a real relationship with God through Christ, we discover God’s unconditional love for us and it stirs up a passion inside of us to love people.

In the Old Testament Book of Exodus, we find the story of a man who had a relationship with God that was intimate and close. This man’s name was Moses, and his friendship with his Creator was such that he could freely speak his mind. Exodus 33:11 tells us, “The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” 

There is a story found in Exodus 33, verses 7 to 23 that illustrates this point. Moses had successfully led the Israelites out of Egypt but then had to deal with their grumbling and complaining. Their faith was weak in the God who had delivered them. They have been traveling for three months in the wilderness and finally have arrived at the wilderness of Sinai. This area is not exactly the Emerald Coast of Florida. Folks are thirsty. They’re not getting enough water. They’re not getting enough food. So they are complaining and considering mutiny.   

Moses, their leader, is doing the best that he can, but anxiety levels are high. In fact, they are sky-high. Not only are the people anxious, but they also don’t even know if they’re going to be able to live. In this environment, Moses is trying to figure out what to do. He’s trying to keep the people calm. And it’s not working. So he goes to God, and he says, “God, are you even here? Where’s your glory? Is it even present? Where are you, God?”

Moses reminds God that God called him to lead these people, that God knows him by name, and that he has found favor in the eyes of God. Moses seems to be testing God. He says, “If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people. “(33:13).  Remember, this is Moses talking to God. “The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.” And the Lord said to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name.” Then Moses said (to God), “Then show me your glorious presence.” Moses asks God to show him his glory. Now you need to understand this wasn’t like asking God for his autograph. Or even for some kind of special miracle. Moses was asking God to reveal his awesome, indescribable presence.

The Bible seems to make it clear that one of the most important things to God, is finding those people who seek to be in His presence and wish to know Him intimately. Hebrews 11:6 says, “it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” 

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean to you to “know” God?   
2. What can we do in the short term to better know God?