Understanding and Knowing God

How to Know and Understand God More

Many Christians desire a deeper, more personal relationship with God. We read the Bible, listen to sermons, and attend church regularly, but is that truly enough to know God intimately?

God has made Himself known in many ways: through His Word, His creation, and His Spirit. The real challenge lies in translating knowledge into understanding and encounter. The truth is, God wants to be known. He longs for a personal relationship with each of us, not just surface-level recognition.

Is Reading the Bible Enough?

Reading the Bible is essential, but it is not just about consuming information. It’s about engaging with God’s heart through His Word. The Bible isn’t merely a textbook—it’s a divine invitation to communion with the Father.

Listening to sermons and teachings is valuable, but secondhand revelation must become personal revelation. Without intimacy, we risk becoming like those in Acts 17:23, where Paul saw altars inscribed “To an Unknown God.” Many today profess faith but don't truly know the One they claim to follow.

As Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” A lack of spiritual understanding robs us of experiencing the fullness of God’s presence and power.

How Does God Make Himself Known?

1. Through Personal Experience

Many biblical figures knew God through life-changing encounters. For example, when Hagar fled from Sarah, she encountered the Angel of the Lord and said, “I have seen the One who sees me” (Genesis 16:13). That moment gave her a new understanding of God's nature.

Your personal experiences matter. Don’t ignore the moments where God shows up—those are invitations to know Him deeper.

2. Through Scripture and the Testimonies of Others

We also come to know God through the experiences of others. Stories of faith inspire us and often draw us closer to God. However, inspiration must lead to pursuit. If we stop at emotional highs and never seek personal understanding, we risk losing what we gained.

3. By Hearing God for Ourselves

God is still speaking—through dreams, visions, His Word, and the still small voice in our hearts. The question is: are we listening?

There’s a story of a man who, while driving, heard a sudden voice say, “Park the car now.” Moments later, his tire burst. That voice likely saved his life. This is God revealing Himself through direct communication.

The Israelites once rejected this closeness. In the wilderness, they begged Moses to speak to God for them instead of hearing from Him directly. But God desires to speak with you.

Final Thoughts

To know God more is to draw near to Him, not just through routine but with intentionality and openness. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” God wants to be known. Will you slow down, listen, and let Him reveal Himself to you today?