Who Is He to you? - 14 March 2025
Benescke Janse van Rensburg
The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. Psalm 145:18
Our perception of God is often shaped by our earthly father. If he was loving and present, it’s natural to believe that God is the same. However, if he was critical or absent, we may struggle to trust that God truly accepts us and will never leave or forsake us. Sometimes, our understanding of God is influenced by others’ opinions or experiences rather than personally encountering him.
In his song "Wrong About You", Grammy winner Israel Houghton describes how his view of God changed. Here is an excerpt from the lyrics:
I used to believe so many stories
That You wouldn’t like me if You knew me
That I had to strive to see Your glory
I was taught to believe that You were distant
That You tracked me down if I had missed it
That grace wasn’t free—I had to earn it
That You wouldn’t like me if You knew me
That I had to strive to see Your glory
I was taught to believe that You were distant
That You tracked me down if I had missed it
That grace wasn’t free—I had to earn it
But I’m unlearning
And I’m so glad I was wrong about You
Now I know the truth.
And I’m so glad I was wrong about You
Now I know the truth.
Psalm 145:18 reminds us: “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.”
Everything changes when we stop seeing God as distant and start experiencing him as near. We communicate with him differently, experience his love more deeply and develop a greater reverence for him. When we truly know him, stepping out in faith – like Peter walking on water – becomes easier because we trust him.
How do you see God? Is your perception shaped by someone else’s revelation or have you personally encountered him?
Prayer: Father God, thank you for being loving, almighty and holy. If I hold any misconceptions about you that prevent me from trusting you fully, please reveal them to me. Help me to walk closely with you. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.