Simple Thoughts Inspired by J.I. Packer’s “Knowing God”
What Does It Really Mean to Know God?
Most of us, if we’re honest, don’t usually say we “know God” in the way we might say we know a friend or family member. Sure, we might have a story about how we became a Christian, and we can share our testimony, but does that mean we really know God in a close, everyday way? For many of us, probably not.
Testimonies and Real Experience
There’s a big difference between having a powerful story about how we started following God and actually experiencing God in our daily lives. It’s one thing to know about God—to go to church, read the Bible, and pray—but it’s another thing to actually feel like you know Him personally. J.I. Packer, in his book “Knowing God,” encourages us not to settle for just knowing facts about God but to seek a real, living relationship with Him.
What About Our Disappointments?
Let’s be real: most of us have faced disappointments and heartbreaks, and those things matter to us. We often carry those hurts around, thinking of them as our burdens or “crosses to bear.” Sometimes, we end up feeling bitter or just plain tired, and we might try to cover it up with a “tough it out” attitude. But deep down, it’s hard to keep the joy and hope the Bible talks about.
The Difference in People Who Know God
Here’s the key: people who truly know God don’t spend their time thinking about what they’ve lost or what could have been. Instead, they focus on what they’ve gained. The apostle Paul said it best in Philippians 3:7-10. He used to think all his old achievements were important, but after he met Jesus, he realized none of that compared to actually knowing Christ. He called his past “rubbish” (or even “dung” in old translations)—not something to dwell on or daydream about.
Living With a Clear Focus
So, what sets apart those who really know God? It’s not that they never go through tough times. It’s that their relationship with God gives them something so much bigger and better to focus on. They don’t keep going back to old regrets or missed opportunities—they look ahead, excited about what it means to know God here and now.
If you want to move beyond just knowing about God, ask Him to make Himself real to you. Seek a relationship, not just information, and let that knowledge change the way you see everything else in life.
afrancinegreen.com 