Discover what it means to know God personally through His Word, His love, and a life of daily trust and obedience.
There is a big difference between knowing about God and truly knowing Him. You can know facts about a place by reading a map, or facts about a person by hearing stories. But to really know someone, there must be closeness, trust, and relationship. In the same way, knowing God is more than learning Bible facts. It is personal, life-giving, and deeply precious. Jesus said, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3).
Knowing God is deeper than knowing any other person because God is greater than us in every way. We do not reach up and discover Him by our own strength. We know Him because He graciously makes Himself known. He comes near to us, speaks to us, and opens our eyes so we can see His truth. Scripture says, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (James 4:8). Even our desire to seek Him is a gift of His grace (Hosea 6:3).
How God Makes Himself Known
God makes Himself known through His Word. As we read Scripture, the Holy Spirit helps us understand that God is not speaking only to people in the past—He is speaking to us today. Sometimes a person can hear Bible truth for years without really taking it to heart. Then one day, it becomes personal. You realize God is addressing you with love, truth, and mercy. “My sheep hear my voice,” Jesus said, “and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). His Word is “a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).
When God speaks, He often begins by humbling us. He shows us our sin, our weakness, and our need for mercy. He helps us see that we cannot save ourselves. His Word reaches deep into the heart and shows us what is really there (Hebrews 4:12). But God does not speak to crush us. He speaks to draw us near. In Christ, He offers forgiveness, friendship, and a new life with Him. He says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:8), and through Jesus we are brought near by grace.
What Knowing God Involves
Listening to God’s Word
Knowing God begins as we listen to what He says in Scripture and welcome His truth into our hearts. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice” (John 10:27). As we open the Bible, God speaks with wisdom, love, and truth, and His Word becomes “a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).
Learning God’s Character
As we read the Bible, we begin to see what God is like. He is holy, loving, wise, faithful, just, and full of mercy. Jeremiah 9:24 tells us that true glory is found in understanding and knowing Him, and Exodus 34:6 shows His heart as compassionate and gracious. The more we see His character, the more we learn to trust Him.
Responding with Obedience
Knowing God is not only about hearing His voice. It also means saying yes to what He says and walking in His ways. James 1:22 tells us to be doers of the Word, not hearers only, and Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience is one of the ways love for God takes shape in everyday life.
Rejoicing in His Love
Knowing God means living in the joy of being loved, welcomed, and drawn near by Him through Christ. Romans 5:8 shows us His love in that Christ died for us, and 1 John 4:19 reminds us that we love Him because He first loved us. The more we rest in His love, the more our hearts are strengthened to follow Him.
One of the sweetest parts of knowing God is that He does not keep us far away. He brings us into His work and His fellowship. The Bible says we are “God’s fellow workers” (1 Corinthians 3:9). That does not mean we are equal with God. It means He lovingly gives His people a place in what He is doing. He calls us to walk with Him, serve Him, and live as His friends. What a grace that the God of heaven would welcome us so near.
Conclusion
Knowing God is one of the greatest gifts in the Christian life. It is not only for a few mature believers. It is the privilege of every child of God. As we listen to His Word, learn His character, obey His voice, and rest in His love, we grow in real fellowship with Him. That is why Scripture says, “Let him that glories glory in this, that he understands and knows me” (Jeremiah 9:24). May our hearts keep seeking Him, for those who seek the Lord will find Him (Proverbs 8:17), and there is no greater joy than to know the living God.
This week, set aside a few quiet minutes each day to open God’s Word, speak to Him in prayer, and ask Him to help you know Him more.
Lord, help us know You more. Amen.
Minister A Francine Green I May 2026