How do you get to know someone?
A little over a year ago, I was introduced to a woman at a large gathering. We did the basic exchanging of names, smiled, said “nice to meet you” and that was about the end of it.
Weeks after I repeatedly heard her name, and saw pictures of what she was doing in her life on Instagram. If we ran into each other, we’d smile in passing, or give a quick little wave. At that point I probably would’ve said “yeah of course I know her!” and spouted off some very general things about her life. But I didn’t really know her. I knew of her.
Eventually we went to a local coffee shop one day, and chatted. Believe it or not, we had some really great conversations, and continued to hang out from then on. Now I can tell you that this friend of mine is a prayer warrior, someone who loves others deeply, I know her laugh and the sound of her voice, and she’s become like a sister to me. I know her.
How I got to know this friend was not through the occasional wave when I saw her, or liking her pictures on Instagram. It was through intentional time with her, asking questions, listening to what she has to say.
Question: Are you doing the occasional wave to God, or getting to know Him? Do you know God, or know of Him?
Why does it matter? Why is it important to know who God is?
For starters, how can we tell about someone (something we are commanded to do) if we don’t know who they are?
“And he said to them ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15
As we get to know God, and more about who He is, the more intimate our relationship with Him becomes. We know His voice, and where He’s calling us to. We know how deeply He loves us.
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.” 1 John 3:1
While there is the ongoing battle against fleshly desires, and we fall short, we strive to become more like God. To become more loving, graceful, sacrificial, just, humble, and more. How can we do this though, if we don’t know Him?
“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death” Philippians 3:10
So, how do you get to know Him?
Like I said earlier, as with my friend, getting to know someone takes intentional time, ask questions, listening.
The Bible is God’s word. You can do all three of those things listed above with the Bible. It is full of His truth, and who He is.
Praying is direct communication between you and God. He hears you, ask questions, praise Him, give Him your troubles.
Be still in His presence. I know it’s easy to get caught up in life. But our relationship with the Lord is more important than any thing of this earth. Tune out the distractions, listen to His voice.
“Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His presence continually!” 1 Chronicles 16:11
Seek to truly know Him, not just of Him.
-Ellie Marie
Total Surrender 