Devotionals for the Heart: Believing in God isn't the same as knowing Him

Believing Isn’t the Same as Knowing Him
A devotional by Heidi Lewis-Ivey

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

—Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)

A pastor friend of mine asked me to teach a Christian Foundations course for a group of aspiring ministers she's raising up. This week's lesson was “Faith Toward God.” I've taught on faith more times than I can count, but I didn’t expect it to hit me the way it did. But somewhere in the middle of preparing, I got stuck on one question: How does faith in a God I can't see turn into knowing Him?

Because those are two different things. I think a lot of us live in the first one without realizing it. Let’s break this down.

Believing He's There:

Most of us start here, whether we remember starting or not. Somewhere along the way we came to believe God exists. We believe there is a Creator, a Judge, a Someone behind all of this. Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) puts words to that starting point: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

That's a real and necessary step. But as I sat with the next verse this week, I realized I read past something important my whole life that is found in Hebrews 11:6 (NJKV). It says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

It's not just “believe He exists”. It's “believe He rewards those who seek Him”. That second half is the part I think I'd been skipping. Believing God is there is one thing. Believing He responds when you look for Him is another thing entirely, and it's the part that turns faith from an idea into a pursuit.

I Can Believe the Right Things and Still Not Know Him:

This is the verse that stopped me while I was preparing for the lesson. James 2:19 (NKJV) reads, “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!”

I read that and thought, “Well, that's humbling. Demons have better theology than half of us. They know exactly who God is. And it does absolutely nothing for them, because knowing facts about someone isn't the same as knowing them.”

I think I've done that with God more than I'd like to admit. I believed the right things. Said the right things. And still kept Him at arm's length, more like a concept I agreed with than a Person I walked with.

He's Not an Idea, He's Alive:

What changed something in me this week was sitting with this phrase: the living and true God. Paul uses it describing people who'd turned away from idols. He said in 1 Thessalonians 1:9 (NKJV), “For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.”

Idols don't do anything. They don't answer, they don't respond, they don't know you're there. And if I'm honest, I can treat God like an idol without ever bowing to a statue just by keeping Him as a distant idea instead of a living presence. Jeremiah 10:10 (NKJV) says it plainly: “But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King.”

Living. Present. Here. That's a very different thing to have faith towards than a concept in a book.

So How Do You Actually Get There?

I don't think this shift happens automatically just because time passes. A few things stood out to me as I thought through it—not as steps to check off, but more like doors that were already open, waiting. One is simply hearing from Him. Paul says faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). I can't know someone whose voice I never listen to, and I think that's true of God too. The more time I spend in His Word and in prayer, the less abstract He becomes.

Another is that seeking Him isn't a shot in the dark. God promises this in Jeremiah 29:13 (NKJV), “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” That's not a maybe. That's a promise from a God who wants to be found. It is a reminder that we can't do anything to earn His love. His heart toward us was set long before we ever sought Him.

And then there's what Jesus says eternal life is. Not “believing the correct doctrine.” Knowing Him like He says in John 17:3 (NKJV) that reads, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” The Apostle Paul wanted that so badly he called it the goal of his whole life. He said this in Philippians 3:10 (KJV): “That I may know Him.”

Not know about Him. Know Him. In other words, not a mere intellectual belief, but an experiential, intimate relationship with Him. That’s what I want. I want to know Him and live so close to Him, that when He whispers, I hear it.

Coming Closer, Not Just Believing Harder

Here's what I keep coming back to since teaching this: because of Jesus Christ, we're not left to approach an unseen God from a distance, hoping He notices us. Scripture says we get to come close. According to Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV), “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Boldly. Not timidly, not from far off, not just believing Him from across the room. We're invited in. That's the shift I was trying to put words to in class this week: Faith toward God was never supposed to be the finish line. It's the doorway. On the other side of it is an actual Person, alive and present, who wants to be known.

The Bible says in John 1:12 (NKJV), “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”

The Holy Spirit spoke to me years ago. He said, “Faith is progressive and it is historical.” This means we grow in faith as we continue to approach Him through His Word (The Holy Bible), and in prayer. Faith is historical because there is this record of God’s love and faithfulness toward us that says, “If He did there (wherever there is), surely He can do it here.”

Believing got me to the door. Knowing Him intimately is what's on the other side of it and honestly, I'm still walking through.

Let’s Pray:

Lord,

Thank You that You are not a distant idea, but the living and true God who is near, present, and real. We confess that it's possible to believe the right things about You and still keep You at arm's length. Forgive us for the times we've settled for facts about You instead of relationship with You.

Stir in us a hunger to seek You with all our heart, trusting Your promise that those who seek You will find You. Let our faith not stop at believing You exist but carry us into knowing the way the Apostle Paul desired in Philippians 3:10, “That I may know Him.”

Thank You that through Jesus we don't have to approach You from a distance. We can come boldly, not because we've earned it, but because You've already made the way. Draw us closer today. Let what we know about You become what we know of You.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

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Song of Reflection #1: “I Believe God” by Kurt Carr (feat. Timiney Figueroa-Caton). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “God's Favor” by Donald Lawrence featuring Karen Clark-Sheard, Kim Burrell, and Kelly Price. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “You Are God Alone” by Marvin Sapp. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Just to Know You” by Mark Schultz. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6: “Knowing You, Jesus” by Graham Kendrick. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #7: “Oh, I Want to Know You More” by Steve Green. Listen to it here. 

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Author Bio:

Heidi Lewis-Ivey is an affirmed prophet and an internationally acclaimed speaker. 

She impacts audiences with her authenticity and bold style of delivery. She has had the opportunity to minister in Trinidad, St. Thomas USVI, Manchester and Liverpool (England).

Heidi is an award-winning and bestselling author. She is the author of Can I Rest Awhile? and Black Girl Cry: What Black Women Need to Know to Amplify Their Voices. She is a co-author in Soulful Prayers (Volume 1 and Volume 2) and Soulful Affirmations. Heidi is the convener of the Encountering the Courts of God movement and the founder of Visions International, a training ground for five-fold ministry gifts.

She holds a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Boston University. Heidi is the CEO of Nael & Associates Inc and franchise owner of Patrice & Associates recruiting firm. She is a member of the Pentimenti Women Writers Group, a former mentor with Year Up, former board member for Friends of Young Achievers, and a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Strategist.

Heidi is the proud aunt/great aunt of 14 nieces and nephews and two bonus nieces. They are her joy. The older nephews have become her protectors.

Heidi is an NFL football fan. As a child, she taught herself the game. In 2017 she won her NFL.com fantasy football league. Heidi is an avid reader (Audible listener) of romance novels, a lover of purses and handbags, and a tea snob who believes bling is always appropriate.

She lives in Boston, MA.

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Connect with Heidi:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamheidi01
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/heidi-lewis-ivey

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to know God on a personal level

Knowing God
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

—Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

The phrase “God is with us” is a familiar promise that is mentioned numerous times in God’s Word (The Holy Bible).

In Matthew 28:20 (ESV), God tells us, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” He is unchanging and faithful, His love is never-ending, and His promises are true. This indicates that we’re in a state of togetherness with the Lord. "Withness" is a gift from God to those who follow Him. He goes before us, walks with us, and prepares a place for us at His table.

But how do we participate in the withness? God asks us to be doers of the word by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ also known as “The Good News” according to the Bible. God instructs us to write His words on our hearts, pray with Him, and be witnesses for Jesus Christ who is our Lord and Savior. In 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV), God’s Word says, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” The good news is that our God doesn’t ask anything of us without first equipping us for the job He calls us to do. God gave us hearts to encourage each other, share our victories and defeats, and comfort others in need. God has given us the Holy Spirit, who guides our steps along the path He prepared beforehand (Ephesians 2:10). He designed us to be with Him and to know Him.

But what does it mean to know God? Many say they “know” God, but in truth, they only know “about” Him. There is a difference between knowing “about” God and “knowing” God. In order to “know” God you need to experience His goodness (Psalm 34:8), the comfort of His words (Psalm 34:18), and the overwhelming peace you feel in His presence (Romans 15:13).

Let’s break it down—most of us know about honey, but here’s a difference between knowing honey and knowing about honey. Those who know about it can list the facts. It’s a sweet liquid produced by bees from the nectar of flowers. It’s often used in cooking as a spread or sweetener. Almost anyone can recite these well-known facts about honey.

However, to know honey, you must experience it. Have you drizzled honey over a warm slice of freshly baked bread and licked the sticky, sweet substance from your fingers? Have you tasted the goodness of honey cake or the tangy delight of soy-honey-ginger sauce lightly covering your perfectly grilled salmon?

Many people claim to know God, but some only know about Him. When you “know” God, you share your struggles, doubts, and hopes with Him. You trust Him. His presence, power, and promises are the foundation of your life. Knowing the heart of God changes everything because He is “with” you.

Experiencing God presence is life-changing. Perhaps you’ve seen His fingerprints on your life when walking through a wilderness season. He is with us always, and His presence sustains us. Psalm 63:3 (NLT) tells us, His “unfailing love is better than life itself.”

God knocks at the door of your heart. But He’s not just knocking at your door, He’s knocking down your fears, secrets, loneliness, anger, bitterness, trauma, and sorrows. God holds the planets in orbit. He knows the name of every star. And He offers you a love like no other. It’s an invitation to the most incredible adventure you’ll ever encounter—withness.

If you haven’t experienced God, invite Him into every corner of your heart. The more you see Him, the more you seek Him. The more you seek Him, the more you know Him. And the more you know Him, the more you love Him!

Let's Pray: Dear God, we want to know You and not just know about you. Help us to be aware of your presence and experience your goodness. Let us stand in awe of your greatness and recall your faithfulness to us. Praise be to God! In the Name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Open the Eyes of My Heart” by Michael W. Smith. Listen to it here. 

Song of Reflection #2: “Knowing You, Jesus” by Graham Kendrick. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Just to Know You” by Mark Schultz. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “The More I Seek You” by Kari Jobe. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Colleen C. Howard is a Jesus follower, wife, mom, mimi, educator and author. 

She lives with her husband in the beautiful Arizona desert where the sunsets are spectacular, the summers are hot, and the winters are a little slice of heaven. Her two adult children and their families live nearby. She considers it a joy to spend time with her family members!

She is a lifelong educator and co-founder of an educational professional development business. After spending her professional life in education, Colleen retired as the STEM Specialist for a large public school district. As she approached the end of that season, God placed a strong desire in Colleen’s heart to shine a light on God’s presence throughout ordinary days and encourage women in their faith-walk with Jesus Christ.

When asked what makes her faith walk real, Colleen replied, “It isn’t just one thing, but a million little things. Although some days bring trials and others bring joy, it’s never just another day.” She says when you give your heart to Jesus, each new day is another opportunity to walk hand-in-hand with Him and begin to know the heart of God. As you become more aware of His presence, stop, take a breath, and watch what God will do.

Colleen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

She has been published online via these websites: Inkspirations, Her View From Home, and Inside Out Worldwide.

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Connect with Colleen:
Website: https://www.authorcolleenchoward.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: When you want to know God more deeply

When You Receive A New Vision of God
A devotional by Essie Faye

“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”—Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)

I don’t remember a time when I didn’t know of God.

My parents taught me to pray and believe in the God who created the universe. As a child, I attended Bible school faithfully. I witnessed for Jesus Christ to my friends in pre-school, telling my classmates about God’s love and the truth of His Word. I believed with all my heart that the God of the Bible was real, though He is invisible. My relationship with God runs deep. For years, I’ve had the pleasure of growing in my knowledge of God as I’ve walked with Him through life’s ups and downs. We’ve passed through celebratory times, times of loss and pain, and times of doubt and confusion. My faith has been tried. My love has been proven. Our relationship has been strengthened.

God has been faithfully by my side through it all and I’m grateful. Each decade of my life has had its challenges and triumphs, and God has seen me through each one with His loving presence. Somehow though, the more I’ve grown to know Him, the more I’ve wanted to know about Him. Can you relate?

I have a healthy dissatisfaction with my relationship with the God who sits on the circle of the earth. He is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, and eternal. Heaven is His throne and the Earth is His footstool (Isaiah 66:1). We cannot understand God. He is a mastermind and creative genius! The universe is His handiwork and the Earth declares His glory. How can one even begin to know such a being? It is too great for me. Yet, God takes time to love and accept humankind. He created the Earth to give us a place to live, and He provides our every need. What love! My heart is overwhelmed by the love of God and so I desire to know more about Him.

In Philippians (a book in The Holy Bible), we read the heart of a murderer converted to Christianity: the Apostle Paul. He was converted after being confronted by Jesus Christ who is the Son of the living God (Acts 9:1-19). Prior to this life-changing moment, Paul was devoted to Judaism and its practices. He believed that he was defending the faith against unbelievers and those who would destroy the truth of God. Later in his life, Paul realized he had it all wrong when Jesus met him on the road to Damascus. This God-sent event changed Paul’s life and steered him in the right direction. Paul had a relationship with God. 

Prior to his conversion, Paul had dedicated much of his life to the study of God’s Word and keeping the practices of the law. He was zealous and impassioned to follow the God of Israel. Yet, like us, Paul had much to learn about God and His ways. Paul pens this letter to the church at Philippi many years after his conversion and after decades of walking the path God ordained for him. Yet, he still desires to know God deeply. He desired a new vision of God–a fresh experience with Him that would affirm their connection and deepen their relationship.

Let’s look at a few ways in which Paul wanted to know God:

Paul wanted to know God in the power of His resurrection. He wanted to experience the reality of God’s reviving power. In Philippians 3:10, Paul references the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which fulfills God’s Word over multiple generations. He affirms His faithfulness and His character. His resurrection unlocks hundreds of promises for His people. The power of His resurrection declares that He can do what no other power can do. Paul declares that he desires to know the essence of God’s character—who He really is. Is this a desire of ours? Do we really want to see God as He is as opposed to creating a God that we want? Do we want to acknowledge a God that we must obey and revere instead of making ourselves “god” and creating a false god who must obey us and fulfill our every command?

Paul wanted to know God in the fellowship of His suffering. Some lessons are only learned through suffering. When we are suffering, we discover who our real friends are, and we reflect in a way that we don’t when we are not suffering. In Philippians 3:11, Paul declared that he is willing to experience pain in order to know God deeply. He was willing to sacrifice comfort and even happiness in order to know the one true living God. Somehow there is fellowship, a connection or bond that is built when we suffer together. Are we willing to experience discomfort in order to grow in our faith walk with God? Or do we simply want comfort and a flowery bed of ease during this walk of faith?

Paul wanted to know God by experiencing elements of His death. He was willing to deny himself and follow Christ daily. He was willing to submit to the will of God, forsaking his own. He was willing to practice spiritual disciplines and live out his faith, even when his body doesn’t want to and in the face of many temptations. He declared, “I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:31 NIV). When he would try to do God’s will, evil was present to oppose his good efforts and challenge his faith because there is a war between good and evil that we fight each day not only then but now. Are we willing, like Paul, to take up our cross and follow Christ in order to know Him?

Do you want to know God more deeply this year? What are you willing to do or refrain from doing in order to draw closer to Him? Are you willing to spend time practicing spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible study, solitude, and fellowship in order to practice the presence of God and hear His voice? Do you desire to catch a new vision of God in 2025? Are you willing to have new experiences with Him that cause you to see Him in a new light? Are you willing to do the work to nurture your relationship with God and deepen your love and commitment to your faith? I am. Let’s do it together!

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, You are the God of the Universe. We are Your children and we want to know You more. Lord, help us to grow to know you more deeply. Cause us to see you in a new light and with a fresh perspective. Help us to reject Satan’s lies about You and walk in the truth of Your essence. Draw us closer to You. Thank You for hearing us and answering. In Your Son, Jesus Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: "Oh, I Want to Know You More" by Steve Green. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “For the Sake of the Call” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Essie Faye is a woman of faith. 

She’s a bilingual author, educator, speaker, psalmist, and interpreter.

Essie is the author of the “Finding the Love You Deserve” series for women and teens. She is deeply committed to motivating minorities, women, and youth to heal themselves, love and accept themselves, and pursue God while chasing their dreams and carving out their life’s path.

Essie is a Chicago native.

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Connect with Essie:
Website: www.essiefaye.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/
Read Essie’s YouVersion Devotion Plan here: http://bible.us/r/Abn