“but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me,” – Jeremiah 9:24
Scripture reading: Psalm 34:1-14
What is an apple? Take a moment to discuss how you would explain an apple to someone who’s never seen or heard of an apple. Would you describe an apple’s size, colour and shape? Would you talk about the various types of apples – Gala, MacIntosh, Ambrosia, etc.? Maybe a satisfied smile came to your face as you spoke of its crunchy, sweet taste. All of this would help someone understand what an apple is, but how much greater their knowledge would be if you gave them an apple to hold and taste for themselves! This illustrates the difference between knowing about something compared with knowing through experience.
How about your own knowledge of God? Perhaps you are in the habit of attending church and regularly hear of Him preached. Maybe you read His name and of His wondrous works when you read the bible. Some have catechism passages describing God, memorized or regularly reciting a prayer.
Yet, there is a deeper knowing of God. “Taste and see that the Lord is good,” the psalmist writes. How do you do this? Humbly ask God to come into your life. Receive God’s Word as the Holy Spirit interprets it and applies it to your life. Notice God’s nature and character as you see Him at work in Scripture, creation and your life. Accept His invitations when He calls on you to act in obedience. Recognize and rejoice in the love He has shown you and His desire to be in relationship with you.
Suggestions for prayer
Praise God that He would desire to have a relationship with humans once slaves to sin. Repent. Ask for the Holy Spirit to help you “taste and see that God is good.”
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