How to KNOW God

Our grand-daughter took a tumble off some monkey bars a few weeks ago. Her face took the brunt of the fall. Thankfully, she didn’t have any serious injuries or lost teeth. She was brave, but the first thing she did after falling was run to her parents for comfort. Wouldn’t any child do the same?  

When I was a kid, our elementary showed a fire-safety film when I was in second grade that had a terrifying effect on me. Because my bedroom was on the second floor and my parents slept on the first floor, I was sure there would be a fire, and we’d be separated. For a VERY long time, I barely slept and made the trek downstairs to Mom and Dad’s room for comfort. 

After many nights of paranoia, I knew my mom would walk me back upstairs, pray with me, and make me stay in my bed. If, however, I snuck into Dad’s side of the bed, he’d wrap his big-muscled arm around me and let me sleep there ‘til morning. (Of course, he wouldn’t sleep all night, but what seven-year-old thinks about that?)  

When times are hardest, we come to know better the ones we love most.  

The Suffering Howdy-Do’s 

I’m inclined to think our Creator wired every living thing with the instinct to flee into comforting arms when hurting. But it’s what we DO and LEARN while in those arms that distinguishes us from the animals of creation. 

The Israelites in Egypt 

When Yahweh revealed Himself to Moses on Mt. Sinai, He was very clear about His purpose for the deliverance He was about to offer the Israelites: 

“I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.” Exodus 6:7 (emphasis added)

Our Heavenly Father allows hurt and harm to befall His children in this broken world so that we’ll run into His arms–and KNOW Him better.

Through the Plagues (Both the Egyptians & Israelites) 

“And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it.” Exodus 7:5 

Israel’s Wilderness Wandering 

“During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet. You ate no bread and drank no wine or other fermented drink. I did this so that you might know that I am the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 29:5-6 

Israel’s Exile 

“Like these good figs, I regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I sent away from [Judah] to the land of the Babylonians. My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land . . . I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.” Jeremiah 24:5-7 

The Exile’s Restoration 

“I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.” Isaiah 45:2-3 

Knowing the Old and New 

Old Testament miracles often directly follow stories of severe testing at the hands of governments and kings that the Lord Himself placed in authority. Why does God allow such hardship to visit His people? Perhaps the better question is: Why do God’s people allow hardship to distance us from our Father? In the greatest moment of need, doesn’t it make more sense to run into His arms instead of pushing Him away? 

Throughout the Old Testament, God used hardships and miracles to draw His people close so they would know Him better. In the New Testament, we see His strategy remain the same—with one MAJOR addition. God, the Son, came to earth and endured our hardship with us.  

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” Hebrews 1:3 

Whatever pain we’ve suffered, He suffered more on the Cross. Whatever sins we’ve committed, He paid for them all with His blood. Whatever failures we’ve experienced, He conquered every one with that empty tomb. 

How To Know Him 

When hardship comes, RUN—don’t walk—into the arms of the God who knows you and what you’re suffering. 

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16 

For me “running into His arms” and approaching His throne means:  

• More time reading His Word 
• More time listening to worship music 
• More time praying through a list of requests 
• Making a list of praises and reasons to be thankful  

We learn things about our God in the midst of our struggle that we would never learn any other way.  

Tweetables! 

• When times are hardest, we come to know better the ones we love most. 
• When hardship comes, RUN—don’t walk—into the arms of the God who knows you and what you’re suffering. 
• We learn things about our God in the midst of our struggle that we would never learn any other way. 

Today’s Question: 

• What practical ways to you “run into God’s arms” and “approach His throne”?