For everyone who knows your wonderful name keeps putting their trust in you. They can count on you for help no matter what. O Lord, you will never, no never, neglect those who come to you.
Psalms 9:10 TPT
Have you ever pondered why trust in the Lord is emphasized repeatedly? While trust in God is undeniably essential, there’s a more critical factor that we often overlook—knowing the Lord intimately. In this journey of faith, understanding God on a profound level is paramount. This issue, if overlooked or not adequately addressed, can become a significant hindrance to achieving victory on our faith journey. Therefore, to avoid appearing as if we are imposing trust in Jesus Christ upon others, it is imperative that we ensure a person’s knowledge of God is not vague. This post delves into the significance of this intimate knowledge and how it can transform our faith journey. Drawing inspiration from biblical examples where an intimate relationship with God yielded unwavering trust and remarkable victories.
To wait patiently for the Lord to open the door after the forty days of rain, without a specified time, is a characteristic of someone who knows the “wonderful name” of the Lord. Waiting on the Lord, like Noah did, requires a personal and intimate knowledge of God. So, superficial acquaintance with the Lord won’t suffice for the profound manifestations God intends for our generation.
As seen in the life of King David, he understood the importance of his son Solomon’s intimate knowledge of God. Hence, in his fatherly counsel, David didn’t merely recount God’s faithfulness. He also invited Solomon into the same experience that had facilitated the extraordinary achievements and breakthroughs he had witnessed—an intimate, personal relationship with God. He urged Solomon to seek a personal and profound relationship with the Lord. In his words, he acknowledged that such intimacy is the bedrock of extraordinary exploits.
“And you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father. Serve God with a pure heart. Be happy to serve him, because the Lord knows what is in everyone’s heart. He knows what you are thinking. If you go to him for help, you will get an answer. But if you turn away from him, he will leave you forever. Solomon, you must understand that the Lord has chosen you to build his holy place—the Temple. Be strong and finish the job.”
1 Chronicles 28:9-10 ERV
Likewise, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego initiated a significant revival in their era. Their unwavering resolve in the face of persecution stemmed from their profound knowledge of the God of Israel, who has the power to rescue His people from the fiery furnace and defiant rulers. To achieve such victories and spark revival, our personal, intimate knowledge of God is paramount.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, “Your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. But even if he doesn’t, it wouldn’t make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn’t serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.”
Daniel 3:16-18 MSG
So, as we conclude, I ask, “What do you truly know about God? Do you maintain a personal and intimate relationship with Him, through which He unveils His true nature to you?”. The reality is this: if you genuinely know the Lord and are continually reminded of His character, you’ll continue to trust in Him. In any circumstance, you will not hesitate to rely on Him. Like Paul also testified, an intimate understanding of God is the bedrock of our confidence in our calling. Even amid persecution, Paul underscores the significance of this knowledge.
The confidence of my calling enables me to overcome every difficulty without shame, for I have an intimate revelation of this God. And my faith in him convinces me that he is more than able to keep all that I’ve placed in his hands safe and secure until the fullness of his appearing.
2 Timothy 1:12 TPT
