What image comes to mind when you think of God? For some it’s a giant king with a long, white beard and flowing, royal robe sitting on His golden throne. For others it’s Jesus cradling a small lamb in His arms. And still others might think of a beautiful meadow with bright purple flowers and a gurgling brook nearby.
Everyone has their own thoughts about God.
The way we think of God often comes from pictures or paintings we’ve seen, stories we’ve heard others tell, or our own life experiences.
So let’s switch gears completely for a moment (stay with me here). Who comes to mind when I ask, “Who is your favorite Hollywood star?” Most of us will choose someone we liked in a certain role or someone who stands for a cause we believe is worthy. Rarely will we pick someone we actually know because we don’t have personal, daily relationships with movie stars. Likewise, many of us don’t have a personal, daily relationship with God either.
God wants that to change.
Our relationship with God and the feelings we have for/about Him stem directly from our belief of who God is. Is He our loving and fully-devoted Father, or is He a mighty but all-too-busy-for-me God? Does He blot out our sins as if they never happened once we repent, or do we still believe that every time we mess up He’s disappointed and will remind us of how we’ve failed in the past? Is He the Rock that we stand on every day and build our life on, or is He a distant being that we worship and sacrifice to but don’t really know on a personal level? Before we can truly love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength, we have to know who He is, believe that He cares deeply about every detail in our life, and literally entrust our life and soul to Him.
Who is God?
God is Elohim, Creator of the entire universe and all of the complex microscopic machinery and expanse of information working in every living cell. But He doesn’t hide behind His creation and stay at arms length. He wants to be found. By you and me.
God reveals Himself through His creation, and He reveals Himself in His Word––the Bible. Hear how God describes Himself:
“‘Do not be afraid… I am your shield, your very great reward.’” Genesis 15:1
“‘The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.’” Exodus 34:6-7
Throughout Scripture, specific names for God reveal His character:
– Jehova-rapha, The LORD Will Heal (Exodus 15:26)
– Jehovah-raah, The LORD My Shepherd (Psalm 23)
– El Shaddai, The Almighty, All-Sufficient One (Genesis 17:1)
– El Roi, The God Who Sees (Genesis 16:13)
God is loving (John 14:21), faithful (Hebrews 10:23), and forgiving (Luke 7:48, Luke 23:34). He is the God of hope (Romans 15:13) and the Father of compassion (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). He desires an intimate one-on-one relationship with each one of His daughters, including you.
David called God “my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14) and Peter said Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Those who knew God best were also the ones who called upon Him using personal names. God wants us to know Him that way. He wants us to walk with Him, talk with Him, sit with Him, and listen. But sometimes we let the noise of our busy lives drown out His voice.
Who is God to me?
He is my Savior who pulled me up from the darkest pits of this world. Twice. He is my omniscient Dad who protects me and provides for me. He is my Counselor who guides me. He is the Rock I stand on in every storm. He is the Spirit that dwells within me and prompts me in undeniable ways I can never comprehend. He is the peace inside me that transcends all understanding and allows me to live in freedom and joy. He is so far beyond anything I can ever imagine, and yet He’s as real as the breath inside of me.
God is real. God is here. God is personal. God is calling because He wants to be found.
Who is God to you?
May I pray?
Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Forgiving Father, thank You for calling us to You. Thank You for revealing Yourself through Your creation and through Your Word. Sometimes we have a hard time believing that a God like you could have the time or the interest in knowing girls like us. And yet, You show us over and over again how You love us more than anyone else ever can. More than we will ever comprehend. And not because of who we are, but because of who You are. You are love. Open our eyes to see how You’re at work every day in our lives. And help us to believe it’s okay to fall in love with Jesus even if we can’t understand the enormity of Your existence. May we open up our heart to You today and call upon You in a way that is personal to us. We love You, Daddy. Amen.
Q4U: Who is God to you?
Love this, Joy … as I find myself in a place I never imagined, and am encouraged by others to remember & focus on who God says I am, this is a wonderful place to retreat to when I’m overwhelmed and can’t get perspective. Apparently, when I look at God, I too often see the faces of people who have hurt me … and expect Him to react to me … to my sin … the way those people have. If I don’t *grasp* who God is to me, then what He thinks of me doesn’t always minister to me the way I desperately need it to. Really needed this today, my friend. Love you!
Hi, Kelly. I’m lifting you in prayer and asking God to shower His magnificent love on you. May the truth of who you are in Him–a beautiful and courageous daughter of the Most High King–strengthen you. He adores you and sees you through the perfect veil of Jesus Christ. Thank you for sharing, and know that you don’t stand alone. Blessings, my dear friend.
This is absolutely lovely! Thank you for the sweet reminder! It helped me prepare for Youth group today! God bless you!