The Difference in Knowing

Do you know who Meg Ryan is? What can you tell me about her? I can tell you she an actress. She’s famous. She’s a mother and wife. She’s met some very famous people.

Do you know who Barack Obama is? What can you tell me about him? Obviously, he’s the president of the United States. He’s married to Michelle Obama. He has two daughters and a dog. He lives in the White House. He’s a democrat.

Do you know who Beth Moore is? What can you tell me about her? She is a Bible Study teacher. She lives in Texas. She’s married to Keith Moore and has two grown daughters, Amanda and Melissa. She has a grandson named Jackson and the first granddaughter is on the way. She loves women’s ministry. She loves to study God’s word. She travels extensively to speak. She runs Living Proof Ministry. She loves Starbucks. For her last birthday, her staff took her to a painting class.

Do you know who Carol is? What can you tell me about her? I can tell you she’s married to Rick. She and Rick were high school sweethearts. She has two children. Tiffany and T.J. are both adults. She has three sisters. Her dad has passed away. She loves pastel colors. She knows every actor and actress on the planet and what they have played in. She teaches in Awana. She goes to WOBC. She lived in Chicago as a child. She knows Orlando like the back of her hand. She loves old movies. She enjoys hot tea. She enjoys people and loves to go out to eat. She can talk for hours. She’s a great friend.

Now of all the people above which one do I really know? I’ve never met or even seen Meg in person. I know who she is, but I don't really know her. I’ve never met the president or even seen him in person. I know who he is, but I don't really know him. I have seen Beth in person. I’ve watched her teach many times, but I’ve never shook her hand. I know who she is, but I don't really know her. Which one do I sit and talk for hours with? Which one has been in my home, hugged my neck, laughed and cried with me? You guessed it! Carol. She and I have been friends for many years. I love her and trust her with my heart. She’s a true friend.

You may be thinking, that’s great, but what’s it got to do with the book we’re reading? In chapter five, Lysa makes a statement that I can’t get out of my head. It’s had a profound affected on me for weeks. She says, “I want to see Him (Jesus) in me, around me, and through me. I want to hear His voice so clearly that I won’t doubt when He asks for my obedience. I want to know Him-not just facts about Him- but really know Him personally and intimately.” I got to thinking about my relationship with Christ. Do I know Him or do I just know facts about Him? Do I know Him like I do Meg, President Obama or Beth? Or do I know Him like I do Carol?

Psalms 46:10a tells me to “Be still and know that I am God...” In Psalm 100:3a God instructs me to “Know ye that the LORD he is God...” God desires a close personal relationship with each of us. One in which when He speaks to us, we will know it’s Him. One that allows us to talk to Him about anything. A relationship that expects daily communication. The difference in knowing just the facts about God and knowing Him is vastly different. I like this quote by Tim Hansel. “There is a difference between memorizing Scripture and thinking biblically. There’s a difference between knowing the words and experiencing their meaning. There is a difference between having sentences embedded in your head and having their impact embedded in your heart. There is a difference between “doing Christianity” and being a Christian.” It’s my prayer that I will seek to “know God” in a deep and intimate way.