You and God

Would you not agree that the most astounding news we can ever hear is that God, the almighty Creator of heaven and earth, invites us to have an intimate relationship with Him?  Buddha would tell you it is impossible.

Someone asked Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, if God existed. He replied, “The question is not relevant. If there were a God, man could not comprehend him anyway. So what good would it be to have such a God?”

Some “religious” people consider God a force, an evil spirit, or something encased in wood or stone. As a result, their concept of God is hazy or impersonal. If God were merely an energy force or a composite of the universe as New Age philosophies teach, knowing Him personally would be impossible. And if God were merely an idol, made by man’s hand from wood or some precious metal, our efforts to know Him would be futile. How could a human have a relationship with an inanimate object?

But God’s Word reveals God as a personal Spirit; therefore, we can know Him personally. This may seem like such a simple concept, but it is the underlying truth on which we base our understanding of God.

The Bible shows that God has a distinct personality. The book of John in the New Testament says that God is Spirit (John 4:24). Although He does not have a physical body as we do, God possesses all the characteristics of a personality: He thinks, feels, and wills. The Bible gives us several proofs that we can know God personally.

Many Old and New Testament believers knew God and were considered His friends. Let me give you a few examples.

God called Abraham, the “father” of the Hebrew nation, “My friend” (Isaiah 41:8). Moses met with God “face to face” when he talked to God in the tabernacle. Can you imagine how this personal experience must have changed his life? The Book of Exodus describes this encounter, which occurred just before Moses received the Ten Commandments:

Whenever Moses went to the Tabernacle, all the people...would rise and stand in their tent doors. As he entered, the pillar of cloud would come down and stand at the door while the Lord spoke with Moses. Then all the people worshiped from their tent doors, bowing low to the pillar of cloud. Inside the tent the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. (Exodus 33:8–11)

Both Enoch and Noah were said to have enjoyed “close fellowship with God” (Genesis 5:24; 6:9); Job talked of a time “when God’s intimate friendship blessed my house” (Job 29:4, NIV). And in the New Testament, Jesus, the Son of God, told His disciples, “You are My friends” (John 15:14).

God has names. Many couples use great care in giving their newborn baby a name that has significance to their family. In the same way, each of God’s many names reveals something important about His character. In the Bible, He is called Almighty, Eternal God, Heavenly Father, Lord of Hosts, Living God, Most High, and Jehovah, along with many other names. In Chapter 1, we learned the incredible truth behind God’s most important name, “I AM,” or Jehovah.

God is described throughout the Bible by a personal pronoun. He is not described as an “it,” but as “He,” a word that denotes a definite gender and personality. An impersonal force cannot be described this way.

God acts as a distinct personality. The Bible consistently demonstrates that God is a conscious, self-aware Being, someone who thinks and makes decisions. For example, He is the Creator. How could an inanimate object of gold or silver or some impersonal force design the intricacies of the universe? That takes planning, unlimited intelligence, and supernatural power. Also, the Bible tells us that God “sees,” “speaks,” and “hears” (Genesis 16:13; Number 23:19; 1 Kings 8:30). God exhibits a range of emotions from righteous anger to holy jealousy to love and grief.

Today, after more than fifty years of getting to know God, I have more joy in the Lord’s presence than I have ever had. My communication with Him grows sweeter and sweeter. There is no one in the universe with whom I would rather spend time than my heavenly Father. I do not have adequate words to describe to you the many things He has done for me and the marvelous ways He has guided my life to make it an exciting adventure. My number one priority in life is to maintain my love for Him and to demonstrate my love by my obedience.

I encourage you to walk with Him, talk with Him, worship and praise Him, and give Him your cares and worries. He yearns to be your loving Savior and wrap His strong arms around you.  God wants a relationship with YOU!  Today, tomorrow and for eternity.

By Bill Bright

©2025 Copyright Bright Media Foundation