If you listen to Bishop Jakes sermon “Don’t Just Say It, Do It” that I included in my previous post you probably remember him explaining why people struggle with stepping out on faith. We just don’t know God like we should. Our fears and doubts stem from not knowing who He is and the significance He should have in our lives.
Is this true? I think so.
When I think of how I calm my own fears, doubts, and worries, I go to the Word and remind myself of what God has done for me and continues to do. Thinking of this topic make me think of Ephesians 4:13-14, that basically says only when we have the full knowledge of Jesus Christ “that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting” (KJV).
It’s only when we know who God is that we can truly be discerning.
In the book “What Do I Know About My God”, the author Mardi Collier explains that God has all the answers to life. So naturally knowing Him should prepare you to face life, to deal with whatever may come. Learning more about Him also answers the questions of our own significance, we were created to serve Him and bring Him glory with our lives (Collier).
So how do we do it, get to know God and all of His ways? Prayer of course, and reading and studying His word.
In her book, Collier, talks about a really great exercise that has helped her to learn more about God as well as use her knowledge when difficult moments occur in her life.
Exercise
Start with a notebook, one you can add pages to as needed.
- Create different categories about God’s character like, My God is Good, My God Saves, My God Loves Me.
- Categories can also be qualities that God wants in you like, My God wants you to serve Him, My God wants me to love others.
- She recommends starting with the book of Psalms.
- As you start your bible reading every time you come across a verse that fits into one of your categories write it down in your notebook. You can create more categories as you go along.
- If there is a particular area you know you need to grow in you can create a category for.
Why
Not only are you focusing on knowing God, but also you’re creating a reference book for yourself to use when you need it.
An example from my notebook: My God is With Me
Exodus 14:13
“Do not be afraid stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will accomplish for you today.
14:14
“The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace”.
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (KJV)
Now whenever I feel alone or overburdened I open my notebook to this category and read all the verses I collected.
Does anybody want to give it a try? Let me know how it works for you. Please share what categories you’ve created.
[…] the scriptures I come across that show me more about who God is and what he wants me to be or do. (I explain more about the notebook here) I’ve been reading a Joyce Meyer’s book 12 Strategies to Win the Battle of the Mind. […]