The Bible tells us to take a moment, be calm, and understand that God is with us. Jesus even said that knowing God is like having a special kind of life. In John 17:3 (NIV), He says, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” We cannot call ourselves true believers if we don’t really know who God is, how He operates, and what He wants from us.
This article shows us how to start the journey of knowing God. It is not just about following rules but about finding a friend in God. When we know God, we find guidance and meaning in our lives. We know that our lives are not about us but about Him. He is a Sovereign God and controls everything that happens in our lives and all over the world. Listed below are some of the practical ways of getting to know God.
· Read God’s Word
The most direct route to getting to know God is by reading His Word. God’s Word in John 1:1 (NIV) says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Bible reveals to us who God truly is because it is the voice of the Lord. It is like God talks to us through the Scriptures and when we read them, we get knowledge and understanding of His nature. The Bible is like a letter from Him to us, filled with stories, teachings, and promises. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, it says that the Bible is God’s way of teaching us and showing us how to live. When we read it, we discover who God is, His love, and His plans for us. Please note that this is not just about learning facts; rather, it is about building a deeper relationship with Him. So, make it a habit to open the Bible regularly, not just to get information but to connect with the One who inspired the existence of the Word, to understand His heart, and to let His words guide your life.
· Pray
Prayer is like having a one-on-one conversation with God. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to talk to God about everything – our worries, thanks, and requests. It is a special and divine way to connect our hearts with His. Just like when you meet someone new on the streets, at school, church or anywhere else, you have to have a chat with them so that you may know them. Through this chat, you get to know their names, where they come from, and many other facts concerning their lives. Similarly, through prayer, we learn so much about God.
When we pray, we express our feelings, seek His guidance, and share our joys and struggles. And God does not remain silent on us when we pray. Instead, He reveals His character, power, love, and faithfulness to us. Just like talking deepens any relationship, praying helps us build a personal bond with God. It is often said that communication is one of the foundations that build a healthy relationship. This applies to our relationship with God too, the more we pray, the more we draw closer to Him and the more we get to know Him. So, take time every day to talk to God, share your thoughts and feelings, and listen for His gentle guidance in return.
· Meditate
Meditation involves quiet reflection, focusing on God’s truths, and letting them sink deep into our hearts. The no other thing God would want us to learn other than His truths. Joshua 1:8 suggests meditating on God’s Word day and night to find success and wisdom. This kind of meditation is not about emptying your mind but filling it with God’s promises and teachings. Take moments to think about what you have read in the Bible and let its truths shape your thoughts and actions. Meditation helps us internalize God’s Word and make it a part of who we are. It is a peaceful practice that allows us to absorb God’s wisdom and love, drawing us closer to the One who knows us best.
· Listen to God’s Voice
Getting to know God involves not only speaking to Him but also listening to His voice. In 1 Kings 19:12, God didn’t speak to Elijah through a mighty wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. Similarly, God often speaks to us in different ways – through thoughts, feelings, or a quiet prompting in our hearts. Isaiah 30:21 (NIV) says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” To hear His voice, we need to create moments of stillness, like finding a quiet place or being in nature. It is about tuning in with an open heart and attentive spirit. Listening to God’s voice helps us understand His guidance, feel His comfort, and receive His love in a more personal way.
· Fellowship
Building a relationship with God is not meant to be a journey to be taken alone. In Hebrews 10:25, we are encouraged not to neglect meeting together but to gather in fellowship. Remember that when we gather together in God’s name, His presence dwells among us. Surrounding ourselves with other believers provides encouragement, support, and shared experiences on the journey of knowing God. Fellowship could be through attending church services, joining small groups, or engaging in meaningful conversations with fellow believers. Through these connections, we gain new perspectives and learn from one another.
· Praise and Worship Him
Expressing love and gratitude is a powerful way to get to know God intimately. Psalm 100:2-4 encourages us to come into His presence with thanksgiving and praise. When we engage in worship, whether through music, words, or actions, we acknowledge God’s greatness and express our adoration. Praising and worshiping God draws us closer to His presence and helps us experience His power. The Bible says that God inhabits our praises, so, let us make it a regular part of our journey.
· Be Compassionate
To truly know God is to reflect His compassionate nature. In Ephesians 4:32, we are urged to be kind and compassionate, just as God is to us. Compassion involves a genuine concern for others, a willingness to understand their struggles, and a readiness to lend a helping hand. As we extend compassion, we mirror God’s heart and participate in His love for humanity. 1 John 4:8 (NIV) says, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” Showing love to others is proving that we know God. This kind of compassion is not just a virtue; it’s a way of embodying God’s character in our interactions with others. Being compassionate allows us to see people through God’s eyes.
· Be Grateful in Small Things
Gratitude is a key that unlocks a deeper understanding of God’s goodness. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are encouraged to give thanks in all circumstances. Cultivating gratitude, especially in small things, helps us recognize God’s hand in every aspect of our lives. It’s in these small things that we can learn how great our God is. By acknowledging and appreciating the small blessings, we develop a habit of gratefulness that shapes our perspective. Gratitude is a language of the heart that draws us closer to God and makes us more aware of His constant provision.
· Have Faith in God
Faith is the cornerstone of our relationship with God. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith, it’s impossible to please God. Having faith in God means trusting Him even when we cannot see the whole picture. It is believing in His promises, relying on His wisdom, and surrendering our worries to Him. Faith is not about having all the answers but about confidently placing our confidence in the One who does.
· Seek Salvation
Knowing God involves seeking salvation through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In John 14:6, Jesus declares, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Salvation is not merely a religious concept but a life-altering connection with God. It begins with acknowledging our need for a Savior, recognizing that Jesus, through His sacrifice on the cross, offers forgiveness and eternal life. Seeking salvation is an intentional step of surrender, inviting Jesus into our lives as Lord and Savior. Through this, we enter into a relationship with God and we are made His children.
· Walk in Communion with the Holy Spirit
Communion with the Holy Spirit is a key aspect of knowing God deeply. Walking in communion with the Holy Spirit involves being attuned to His presence, guidance, and empowerment in our daily lives. This communion is an intimate relationship with God’s Spirit, who dwells within believers. 1 Corinthians 2:10-12 (NIV) says, “These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.” As we yield to the Holy Spirit, our understanding of God deepens since the Spirit reveals the things of God to us.
