What do we really, truly and deeply know? What a big question,right?
Isn't change the only thing we can truly be certain of as we go through our days here on earth? Absolutely, not. We can be sure that our God will stay true to His character.
We know that prayer can move God. Prayer can lead him to pause, when he would act. We know there are times His will and His plan are bigger than our situation and it requires us to accept a "no" or a "wait". He shines light into our darkest days, even when it seems that everything is falling apart at the seams. He is bigger than any trouble we might face.
I've recently been reading Genesis with my Bible Study Group. We are a gathering of believers from around the country... and perhaps the world. We come from many different denominational backgrounds, which adds a richness to the fabric of our fellowship, as we dig into The Word together. We took a dip into Job this week and I know there is much to learn beyond Job's pain and suffering.
In both Genesis and Job, there is an amazing emphasis on the difference between knowing about God and truly knowing Him. I had never really noticed it to such a degree in previous readings of the Old Testament. Perhaps, it is because we are reading in chronological order. The flow is better. The dots connect. God's love story with humans began in a garden.
One thing that stood out these past two week: God limited our days as we grew more wicked. The lifespan of humans was much longer in the beginning. 800-900 years. Then by the time of Noah, it was much less. The longer we lived, the more wicked we became. Granting us long life was defeating his purpose of bringing us into a closer walk with Him. He shortened our days in hopes that we might stay true and on course, keeping Him our "true north".
There were some who walked closely with the Lord. Enoch walked in close fellowship with the Lord all the days of his life. Noah found favor with the Lord. Job, too, walked in close fellowship with God. Most were not able to stay the course. Earthly pleasures, wants and desires displaced God in their lives. Were the people of that day really any different than modern culture? God was patient, until he could no longer bear the wickedness.
I am grateful that we can know the peace of a God who is with us, for us and not against us. We can trust his heart. We can say, "Thy will be done." with an open heart and an open mind, knowing that His plan is good, even if we do not understand it.
"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow."James 1:2-3
Whispered pain in the middle of the night is heard. Simple hallelujahs for a parking space are known. Praise in the middle of the storms and gratitudes offered before dawn on a cold winter's morning catch his ear. We can know this... beyond a shadow of a doubt... He hears our cries and our praises. He delights in our songs and counts our tears.
Beyond knowing who God is... we can know Him with childlike faith. He is good.
Today, I am grateful for a sense of knowing.
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