Intimate Knowledge
There are things I know. There are also things I know from experience. I can’t always explain how I feel or what I know. There are things that are not meant for me to grasp or understand. The Word reminds me that God’s Ways are higher than my ways. I don’t always understand God, but I do want to know Him. I want to pursue His heart because He’s changed my heart. There are things that I know about God that I didn’t know years ago when I first surrendered my life to Him.
King David gives his son, Solomon some final instructions regarding serving as King and building the Temple of the Lord. There were some profound instructions regarding knowing God that jumped off the page. Check this out…
8 “So now, with God as our witness, and in the sight of all Israel—the Lord’s assembly—I give you this charge. Be careful to obey all the commands of the Lord your God, so that you may continue to possess this good land and leave it to your children as a permanent inheritance.
9 “And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 10 So take this seriously. The Lord has chosen you to build a Temple as his sanctuary. Be strong and do the work.” (1 Chronicles 28:8-10 NLT)
I came away with three really clear instructions from the “old Dad” to his son who would be his successor as King.
- Get to know God intimately
- Worship & serve God with your whole heart
- If you seek Him, you will find Him
As I read these instructions, I took them to my heart. The entire course of my life here on earth is different because I chose to follow the Lord years ago. There are people who reject Him and then there are people who receive Him. I want others to know the peace in my heart because I know God intimately. I want others to know the joy and life fulfillment that comes in serving Him. He is with me. He is for me. I can feel His Presence as I walk through life. The measure of His Presence in me is directly connected to the amount of attention I give. In other words, if I can be still, take a breath or take a break, I can see and feel His Presence in me. I don’t want to miss a day of noticing the blessings I have because I know Him and I walk with Him. It’s not a show, it’s a lifestyle and a journey. I wish I could give this charge to everyone I know. There is something very comforting in knowing the God Who created me intimately and serving Him and worshiping Him with my whole heart. His Presence in me changes my view of everything and every situation I face.
Pressing On!
Dwayne