What does God think of you?
What does God think of me personally? This self with all its rough edges, strengths and weaknesses, simply this complex self that often doesn’t even understand itself? How do I know what he thinks of me? Can I know that? The Bible is certainly the first place I can look and is a good source for this (How do I see God – and how does he see me?). But self-doubt and legalistic arguments from some theologians make it difficult to find the truth.
How do I really know what God thinks about me? Our spirit is connected to the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us. And from him we hear the truth! He will never condemn or belittle us, he is always loving and encouraging!
My favorite place to personally be still and connect with the spirit is in a favorite chair, where it is quiet and I am not distracted. (Take a break with Jesus) But that doesn’t have to be the case for you. Find out where you can best quiet your mind so that you can access your spirit. (If this is new to you, there are a lot of good books on the subject, for example by Wendy Backlund, Living from the Unseen). And then ask the Lord the question: How do you see me? Then wait and push aside thoughts that interfere (Who’s talking?)
“Be still, and know that I am God;…” Psalm 46:10
I would like to tell you what he told me, because it won’t be much different for you:
Above all, God shows me that he loves me passionately, not half-heartedly or in response to how I behave. He loves me completely and in spite of who I am right now! I am accepted unconditionally, protected and cared for. I have learned that I am valuable and that God sees me and knows me intimately. He has shown me that I am worthy of love and appreciation. I now know that he is always with me and that he is always delighted when I turn toward him. He has shown me my personal identity and I feel seen, recognized and valued with it.
I have experienced all this over several years of almost daily quiet time – but often I am in the presence of God and simply experience his peace. I don’t expect groundbreaking experiences with God every day, because I wouldn’t be able to process that. But even just being still in his presence, without hearing anything from him, changes me in a positive way.
Most of the things I have listed above are things that he has in store for each and every one of us. You will only be able to grasp it when you experience God – and for me, that’s when I take time for God and don’t talk nonstop, but when I am still and listen. Take time for the one who created heaven and earth, and also created you in your very own personality.
In doing so, you will get to know God so much better and more personally! “Be still, and know that I am God;…” Through personal experience, we get to know God, not just by hearsay. He is love! He shows us that his love is greater than anything we can comprehend with our minds. He shows that he truly knows each and every one of us and loves us anyway. He is benevolent, patient and guides us with his spirit. He is happy about us! And he has created us individually and with care, each with a specific role that gives us joy.
Getting to know God in this way deepens our faith, because now it is in our hearts and not just a theory in our minds. And that changes our lives! It makes us more courageous and gives us joy! This is discipleship directly with God!
Each of us will experience God a little differently, each of us exactly as he or she needs it! My husband experiences the Lord above all as a friend who walks with him and gives him encouragement and guidance. But he also feels welcome, accepted and loved at all times. These quiet times with God have changed him too! I experience my husband as more secure, stronger and softer!
If you are seeking encouragement and change, I can think of nothing better than setting aside time just for God, listening to what he has to say to you.
