Knowledge of God

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.                                         2 Peter 1.2

It would be so easy to see this verse as part of Peter’s greeting and introduction and leave it at that. But to do so would be to ignore a great and vital truth. A major purpose in Peter’s second letter is to combat heresy. True knowledge of God is an essential part of this action. But there is more in this verse that the mere gaining of knowledge.

What impacts me as I reflect on the power of Peter’s words is the strength and contentment that is there for believers through knowledge of God. I take this phrase knowledge of God to mean significantly more than any facts or data about God. Yes, knowledge of God is the knowing of God Himself. A lot may be learned through knowledge about a person but true and meaningful experience results from an actual knowing of the person. Part of the wonder of knowing God is the amazing effect it has on us, and on our lives and interaction. Grace and peace are just two of many benefits that God bestows on those who know Him.

God works miracles through His grace. Even in the direst circumstances God’s grace can lift me to a higher place. God’s grace is able to provide in my time of need, whatever that need might be. God’s grace may not necessarily change the circumstances that challenge me, but it will enable me to get through whatever might face me. Perhaps one of the greatest gifts of grace that God vests in us is the wonder of peace. What an amazing quality this is. In a world that is often beset by turmoil and confusion, hurt, and even despair, the peace of God is surely the most precious gift. I feel blessed to receive this gift, yet there are times when I must consciously remind myself that I have it. When I do, sanity returns to the situation. God resumes His sovereign position as Lord and ruler of my life, of every part of it. I am able to relax, and rest in Him. It is well with my soul.

Lord God,

I thank You first that I know You. I pray for that knowing to increase. I ask You to draw me closer and enfold me deeper into You. I am grateful to learn about You, but my passion is to know You more, to become more intimate with You. I pray for increase in both these aspects.

Thank You for the grace you extend to me. May there be no limit to the ways in which Your grace is made manifest in my life.

I have received, and truly known, much peace throughout my journey with You. Dear Lord, may this continue. I know the power that resides in Your peace. This is not a power to challenge people with control, but a power that will enable then to work through adverse circumstances to the right result. I thank You for the power of Your peace.

I pray that my relationship with You will grow even stronger.                                     Amen.