Do You Really Know God?

Colleen Howard

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 ESV

The phrase “God is with us” is a familiar promise appearing numerous times in the Bible. In Matthew 28, God tells us, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” He is unchanging and faithful, His love is never-ending, and His promises are true. This indicates that we’re in a state of togetherness with the Lord. Withness is a gift from God to those who follow Him. He goes before us, walks with us, and prepares a place for us at His table.

How do we participate in the withness?

God asks us to be doers of the word by sharing the Gospel. He instructs us to write His words on our hearts, pray with Him, and be witnesses for Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

 In 1 Peter 3:18 (ESV), God’s Word says, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” The good news is, our God doesn’t ask anything of us without first equipping us for the job. He designed us to live in a community with brothers and sisters in Christ. He gave us hearts to encourage each other, share our victories and defeats, and comfort others in need. God has given us the Holy Spirit, who guides our steps along the path He prepared beforehand (Ephesians 2:10, ESV). He designed us to be with Him and to know Him.

What does it mean to know God?

Many say they “know” God, but in truth, they only know “about” Him. There is a difference between knowing about God and knowing God. Have you experienced His goodness (Psalm 34:8), the comfort of His words (Psalm 34:18), and the overwhelming peace you feel in His presence (Romans 15:13)?

Let’s break it down — most of us know about honey, but there’s a difference between knowing honey and knowing about honey. Those who know about it can list the facts. It’s a sweet liquid produced by bees from the nectar of flowers. It’s often used in cooking as a spread or sweetener. Almost anyone can recite these well-known facts about honey.

However, to know honey, you must experience it. Have you drizzled honey over a warm slice of freshly baked bread and licked the sticky, sweet substance from your fingers? Have you tasted the goodness of honey cake or the tangy delight of soy-honey-ginger sauce lightly covering your perfectly grilled salmon?

Many people claim to know God, but some only know about Him. When you “know” God, you share your struggles, doubts, and hopes with Him. You trust Him, and His presence, power, and promises are the foundation of your life. Knowing the heart of God changes everything because He is “with” you.

Experiencing His presence is life-changing. Perhaps you’ve seen God's fingerprints on your life when walking through a wilderness season. He is with us always, and His presence sustains us. Psalm 63:3 (TPT) tells us, For your tender mercies mean more to me than life itself. 

God calls you every day. He knocks at the door of your heart. But He’s not just knocking at your door — He’s knocking down your fears, secrets, loneliness, anger, bitterness, trauma, and sorrows. The God who holds the planets in orbit, and knows the name of every star offers you a love like no other. It’s an invitation to the most incredible adventure you’ll ever encounter—withness.

Man Holding A Bible

If you haven’t experienced God, invite Him into every corner of your heart. The more you see Him, the more you seek Him. The more you seek Him, the more you know Him.

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Your Turn: Psalm 77:11-12, tells us to remember the deeds God has done and meditate on them. Take a moment to reflect on a time when you experienced God. Did you sense His presence, hear His whisper? How did He get your attention? What faith-steps can you take today to deepen your knowledge of God?

Beach Sunset

Prayer: Dear Jesus, help us remember how you have provided for us. Let us be immersed in your love and mesmerized by your unfailing love. Never forget that God is with you always and will never abandon you. Thank you, Father God, for showing us how to see you, seek you, and truly know your heart. Praise be to God. Amen.