Do you know God? Yes? Then tell me about Him. Would you be surprised to hear that what you say in response to this affects how you approach your whole life? Try it now. For 2-5 minutes say or jot down all you know about God.
In 1973, J.I. Packer, a Canadian theologian and general editor of the English Standard Version of the Bible, published his book, Knowing God. Since then, over 1.5 million copies have been sold, inspiring Christians for more than 50 years to grow in their knowledge and love of God. This month’s devotions are based on this 22-chapter book with each day either summarizing or focusing on the main theme of a chapter. Reading Packer’s book alongside this study would add greater depth. However, Packer writes to an educated audience with an interest in debating technicalities of theology. Yet, the ideas he presents can be grasped by a child. The effort of this devotional series is to make Packer’s ideas more approachable – that many may increasingly know God and enjoy Him.
Here is a map to the month to help you follow along:
| October 1-6 | Focuses on why know God and how to know God, plus some key ideas of who God is. |
| October 7-22 | Focuses on describing God, helping readers to grasp His attributes and His ways. Subsequently, you are led to consider who you are in comparison to who God is and your relationship with God. Readers are encouraged to respond with prayer and adoration. |
| October 23-31 | Focuses on the primary benefits that believers enjoy through having a relationship with God. |
Through this study, may you more closely identify with the psalmist who writes in Psalm 27:8, “You have said, ‘Seek my face.’ My heart says to you, ‘Your face, LORD, I do seek.’”
Why do I need to know God
“For I desire… the knowledge of God.” – Hosea 6:6
Scripture reading: Hosea 6:1-6
Imagine you knew someone who grew up in the forest and had never left the woods. It would be cruel of you to fly this person across the ocean to a large city and leave him there to fend for himself. He’d likely feel lost and confused.
Sadly, many people today have a similar painful experience because they do not know the God who created the world in which they live, the God whose world this is, and the God who holds it all together with His tender care. Not only did God create the world, but He also created humans and gave their lives meaning. Not knowing this God leaves people lost and confused.
The Shorter Catechism asks, “What is the chief end of man?” or in other words, what is the main reason you are here on Earth today? It answers this question, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” The glory of God includes not only His radiance, beauty and splendour, but also the weight of His excellent value. One day, every person will bow before His throne and give Him the glory of which He is worthy (Philippians 2:10). Many are called to do this now with whatever they do (1 Corinthians 10:31). This is joyous work. J.I. Packer writes that knowing God, “is a relationship calculated to thrill a person’s heart.” It is delightful to know God.
Therefore, knowing God removes the blindfold from a person’s life and fills them with purpose and joy.
Suggestions for prayer
Praise God for being the Creator and Sustainer of the world. Give Him glory. Ask to know and enjoy Him increasingly.
Katelyn Van Haren is a member of Redeemer United Reformed Church in Lacombe, Alberta. She received a liberal arts degree from Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ontario in honours accounting and is a CPA. Katelyn and her husband have five children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com