Knowing God

Nahum 1:7 says, "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. God knows those who trust in Him. Knowing God is quite important and it is the foundation of our trust in Him for the unknown present and future."

Matthew 7:21-23 "Not everyone that says 'Lord, Lord' shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord,' have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name have done many wonderful works? And then I will profess unto them 'Depart from me you workers of iniquity, I never knew you.'"

Jesus states in Matthew that even though you worked miracles, if you do not "know" God, you will be sent away on the day of judgement. If you know Him, you will know that trusting him is the best thing for you to do, and it won't be hard to do. 

To trust him you must know him. You need a relationship with him. Knowing Him is not just praying when you need something.

How do we know our dear God?

1. Knowing by praying

1 Thessalonians 5:17 says that we should "pray without ceasing." This doesn't mean that we should always have our hands folded, head bowed, and eyes shut. It means a relationship of continual contact and fellowship between you and God.

2. Knowing by spending time with Him

Abraham made a covenant with God in Gen 15:18, showing the kind of relationship we need to have. They talked to each other. Spending time with someone seems to be the number one way to know them. When you spend time with God, you will know Him more intimately. You will know what He wants, what he likes and what is His assurance for your unknown future.

3. Knowing by listening

Ephesians 3:1-3 Paul makes the statements that you can get to know God by listening to the "dispensation of the word." You can listen to God's word by listening to teaching and preaching.

4. Knowing by reading

Ephesians 3:4 Paul also goes on to say that this preaching will help in understanding what you read. Reading his word helps in getting to know God. By knowing God and his will for us, trusting him will be made easier. If we trust him, you will be faithful to obey, doing his will, regardless of logical reasoning.

5. Knowing by being Faithful

Matthew 25:21 God says, "Well done thy good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make the ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the Lord." He didn't say "good and honest, or smart, or anointed, or punctual servant." It says "faithful servant." Faithfulness means doing it even though we don't know why, or understand why.

Proverbs 3:5-6 state that we should "Lean not to your own understanding." This is difficult to do. Sometimes we think we know what should happen or what He should do.

1 Corinthians 1:25 "Foolishness of God is wiser than men."

Abraham in Genesis 15-17 is promised a son, and does it his own way instead of trusting God's way. He pays for his mistrust by getting a bad son, Ishmael. Sometimes we don't know where God is going; we don't understand what he is doing, and we don't necessarily have our own way.

In Conclusion: 

God is powerful, so let us trust Him. 
1. Jerimiah 32:27 "Behold, I am the Lord. Is there anything too hard for me?"

God cares for us, so let us trust Him. 
Matthew 10:29-31 Are you not worth more than the sparrows which he takes care of? -He cares and loves you.

God gives us promises, so let us trust Him.
Psalms 34:15-22 - The Lord sees the circumstances you are in and cares, promising to take care of you.
Psalms 91 - He promises to keep you well, safe, etc. No insurance policy can keep something from happening, only respond to it.
1 Peter 5:7 "Cast your cares upon the Lord." - He has promised to help you in your time of need. He is the stronghold for those who know and trust him.

So let us begin to trust God when it doesn't make sense.

1. This week, reflect on the areas where it is difficult for you to trust God ( Health, Finances, Children's education, Children's marriage, Career, Promotion, Future plans, the pandemic that we are facing etc.)
2. Why is it difficult for you to trust God in this particular issue?
3. How can you develop your intimate relationship with God so that you can get the assurance that He cares for your future and has a solution for your unsolved issue?