Knowing God. As believers that is one of our greatest desires. We long to know the Lord. How can I say that with such confidence? Over fifty years ago a little book was published by J. I. Packer simply titled, "Knowing God", and it has been read by millions. According to Amazon book reviews, in continues to sell in tens of thousands to Christians around the world.
As I ponder the sale and wide-spread desire for a man-made product to help us understand the character of God, I am in no way dismissing its value, (I have at least one copy of this book on my shelf as well), but we must remember that it is only a tool for drawing us to God's word, the only place we will really deepen our relationship with Him.
Hosea encourages that we need to "press on to know Him". You see, some of us give up too soon. We need to continually be moving forward and persevering in seeking God. "Press on" suggests that there is something we are "pressing against", hindrances that I guarantee will rise in resistance as our desire to know the Lord increases.
Just last evening "my Bible study girls" and I were discussing what keeps us from spending more personal time with the Lord. Work, busyness, schedules, weariness, distractions, and lack of understanding are just a few of the "pressing againsts" that arise, pushing us out instead of pressing us in.
And, to be clear, this is not just about having a daily "quiet time". My friend Kimberly Henderson shared years ago that "Jesus doesn't just want to meet with us at our kitchen tables, only for us to go on about our days unaware of Him. We need Him ALL. DAY. LONG.....We are cheating ourselves if we live with a rhythm of just 'quiet timing' over continually abiding."
Think about how you get to know anyone and develop a deeper relationship. It is being together. It is intentionally seeking to discover who they are. You see, pressing on to know Him is not about head knowledge. It's about a deep friendship and intimacy with our Friend and Heavenly Father. I was sharing with "my girls" last night that what gets me out of bed, every morning, just after 5am to spend at very least the next couple of hours in God's Word and reflecting on what I've read, is the absolute joy of knowing Jesus. I know I do not do this perfectly, but the lyrics to an old chorus come to mind and echo the passion in my heart. May this be the prayer of all our hearts every day.
"All I once held dear, built my life upon, All this world reveres and wars to own, All I once thought gain I have counted loss, Spent and worthless now compared to this.
Now my heart's desire is to know You more, To be found in You and known as Yours, To possess by faith what I could not earn, All surpassing gift of righteousness.
Oh to know the power of Your risen life, And to know You in Your sufferings, To become like You in Your death, my Lord, So with You to live and never die.
Knowing You Jesus, knowing You, There is no greater thing, You're my all, You're the best, You're my joy, my righteousness. And I love You Lord."
Kimberly Henderson quote: Facebook post, August 12, 2020
Song quote: "Knowing You, Jesus"; Graham Kendrick; copyright 1993 Make Way Music
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