Have you ever had a best friend? Think about what makes them your best friend.
It isn't just that you know their middle name, their birthday, or their favorite color. You can find out those things about a stranger by looking at a piece of paper. To really know your best friend means you have walked through life together. You know how they laugh, you know when they are sad, and you know they will be there for you when things get tough.
Knowing God is a lot like that.
When the Bible talks about "knowing" God, it isn't talking about memorizing a list of facts or getting an A+ on a theology test. It is talking about a friendship, a deep, everyday walk with Him.
It’s a "Whole-Person" Friendship
In the Bible, when it says to "know" someone, it means you are connected to them with your whole heart. Here is what that looks like in our daily lives:
- With our Heads: We learn about who He is by reading His stories in the Bible. It’s like reading letters from a loving parent. We learn that He is kind, He is strong, and He loves us more than we can imagine.
- With our Hearts: We share our feelings with Him. When we are scared, we tell Him. When we are super excited, we tell Him. It is having a conversation with Him throughout the day, just like you would talk to someone walking right next to you.
- With our Hands: We show we know Him by doing what He likes. If you love your mom, you want to help her because you know it makes her happy. We show we know God by being kind, sharing with others, and being honest, because those are the things that make His heart happy.
Walking the Path Together
Imagine you are on a long hike up a big mountain. You could look at a map, study the rocks, and learn all about the mountain from a book. But that isn't the same as actually climbing it with a guide who holds your hand, points out the beautiful flowers, and catches you when you trip.
God wants to be your Guide.
He doesn't want you to just know about Him from a distance. He wants you to experience Him. He wants to walk with you when you go to school, when you play with your friends, and even when you are having a hard day.
A Simple Way to Start
Knowing God is simply about showing up.
- Talk to Him: Just say, "God, I’m here. Help me to see You today."
- Listen to Him: Pay attention to the good, loving thoughts He puts in your heart.
- Trust Him: Just like you trust your parents to take care of you, trust that God is always working for your good because He loves you.
It is a beautiful, lifelong adventure. The more you walk with Him, the more you will realize that knowing God isn't a task to finish, it’s a friendship that lasts forever.
Does thinking about God as a close friend change how you feel about talking to Him today?
Exploring life, one thought at a time.
Rumishael C. Ulomi, Founder & Spiritual Leader
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