God takes the first step in making himself known. He creates. He relates. He reveals. He writes. He speaks. He reminds. He loves. We respond to him. We listen. We look. We speak. We receive. We love. Connect this truth to a child’s heart this week. The God of the universe wants to be known and we can know him. And if we truly desire to know him, we will spend time with him not unlike how we spend time with the people we love.
The man who would truly know God must give time to Him.
-A.W. Tozer
I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God…
-Exodus 6:7
God Knows
My young daughter once asked, “Why do I have lungs?” Well of course there’s the obvious and scientific answer, “So you can breathe,” which is a whole lot of fun to explore. But in that question there is a world of supernatural discovery waiting to happen. There is no way we could have lungs unless God wanted us to have them and then made it so. We cannot breathe unless God gives us the power to breathe.
One “random” moment of relationship in our family time provided an impetus for a brief, but lively conversation about God’s presence. God created all things and gives humans an astounding ability to relate to himself. All that he has created provides us with a compelling reason to want to know him.
In addition, God shows himself through his Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the face of God.
If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.
Joh 14:7
God knows all about us and makes it possible for us to know him.
We Know
Of course, knowing that God created and that Jesus is the perfect image of God, doesn’t mean we really know God. When talking with children about knowing God, please, please, please don’t just relay stories and facts! Inspire them to relate to this God who is very active in their lives.
When the Bible speaks of knowing God it never has information alone in mind. It always includes experiential knowledge. Show children how they can really know God’s presence, and how they can experience a family friendship with him. Consider these parallels:
Family
- A child sits with his parents-we can simply acknowledge God’s presence
- A child feels secure-we can rest and enjoy life as a gift from God
- A child chimes in-we can feel comfortable approaching God anytime
- A child chats-we can simply tell God what’s on our mind anytime, anywhere
- A child listens-we can honour and respect God by listening to his Word and Holy Spirit
- A child plays-we can know God more as we enjoy what he created for us
- A child obeys-we know God has good plans for us and we follow those plans
- A child explores-we investigate, examine, ask questions, touch, hold, taste, see
- A child receives-we don’t have to earn God’s gifts! Bask in them.
- A child wants and expects attention-spend uninterrupted time with your Creator
What further parallels do you notice about relating to God as a child would relate to a good parent?
Lord, I want to know you so children will too.
StevenBourque.com 
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