“I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices.” – Psalm 16:8-9
Scripture reading: Psalm 16:1-11
The month, we studied what it means to know God. We learned that the God who can be known is the God of the bible, the God revealed in Jesus, the God of the Trinity. The way to start to know Him is this: learn of His character and His ways through reading Scripture. Know how to describe Him and see Him at work in Bible stories. See Him in Jesus. Together we considered God’s goodness and grace as well as His severity and wrath.
Seeing God in this way caused us to look at ourselves. We are not self-reliant; rather, we are fallen, bad, weak and headed to hell, unless Jesus saves us. This led us to the next step of knowing God – having a personal relationship with Him. We can ask for his mercy through Jesus’ saving work on the cross. We can rest in God’s undertaking to forgive sinners. The Christian then knows God more through learning to be a disciple of Jesus. They grow in faith by prayer and obedience to God’s will. Finally, we learned yesterday that knowing God leads a believer to the conclusion that God is their all-in-all.
And this is the heart of biblical religion, that whatever happens the believer rejoices in the LORD. Knowing God through Jesus is the secret link to find true freedom and fulfillment. In conclusion, the priority of a believer for today is not how best to celebrate Reformation Day, but to grow in knowing God through Jesus.
Suggestions for prayer
Ask God for growth in knowing Him and delighting in Him.
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