“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.” 2 Peter 1:2–3
In yesterday’s devotional, we explored the three levels of knowing God: (1) acknowledging His existence, (2) receiving His gift of salvation, and (3) walking in an intimate relationship with Him. While many people stop short at simple belief or even salvation, it is only in the third level—daily relationship—that we begin to experience the full riches of what it means to know God.
God never intended our faith to be shallow or stagnant. He desires that we know Him deeply—relationally—and through that knowledge, enjoy the abundance of His blessings. As if the security of eternal salvation for our souls was not enough—God desires to give us so much more on the path of this troubled world!
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3
This devotional explores just a few of the benefits God gives us when we walk intimately with Him.
1. God multiplies our peace.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
True peace is not the absence of problems—it’s a strong sense of the presence of God. As we grow in knowledge of His character, His nature, His sovereignty, and His love, He increases our ability to have peace in the storm. We know without a doubt that we no longer walk through trials alone. His peace is the gatekeeper of our minds.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
2. God leads us to experience His Divine power.
“…His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him…” 2 Peter 1:3
This verse is staggering! Think about it—God gives us everything we need for life and living! Wow!!! It’s not by our willpower or by living out a dead religion. It is through a vital and powerful relationship with Him.
When we seek Him, He empowers us to overcome sin, fulfill our calling, and live in His Divine purpose. The better we know Him, the more His power flows through our life. His power constantly blows my mind!
3. God’s presence sets us free.
“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32
True freedom doesn’t come from self-improvement. Knowing Him leads us onto the path of greatest reality. That’s why we begin the Bible Truths Study with the chapter about the source of truth. All other ways are darkness. When we know God for who He really is, we see ourselves for who He made us to be and we see sin for exactly the destructive force it is.
When the truth is known, lies are exposed and bondage can be broken.
God doesn’t just want to forgive us—He wants to liberate us. That happens when we know Him intimately, not from afar.
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36
4. God gives us Divine purpose and satisfaction.
“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3 (NKJV)
Eternal life doesn’t start when we die—it begins the moment we are born again. This means our purpose is no longer tied to a career, a status, a title, money, possessions, friends, or family. All these things are fragile. God created us for His glory. When we understand that all endeavors are for this ultimate purpose—then, even the things the world defines as “failure” produce victory. For example, when Joseph went to prison for a crime he did not commit, he was being positioned to be prime minister of Egypt.
When we live in the working knowledge that our achievements, relationships, or possessions are not our ultimate accomplishments—but rather, it is what we accomplish for God’s glory—then God’s presence and glory is our greatest source of satisfaction. The Bible makes it clear that nothing compares:
“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight,” says the Lord. Jeremiah 9:23-24
5. God produces supernatural strength.
“…the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” Daniel 11:32b
God doesn’t promise ease—but He does promise strength. Not strength in ourselves, but strength born from intimacy with Him. Those who know God stand firm in temptation, endure suffering with joy, and boldly obey—even when the cost is great. Knowing God gives courage that outlasts fear.
6. God awakens joy.
“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
The closer we walk with God, the more joy we experience. Not fleeting happiness—but the fullness of joy that flows from His presence.
Joy is the overflow of a heart that is satisfied in Him. When we know God intimately, our joy is not circumstantial.
7. God gives us wisdom and understanding.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10
When we know God, we gain wisdom and clarity to navigate life. It becomes obvious that what we think, say and do is far above our pay grade or our own ability. The experience is extraordinary!
8. God gives us refreshing and restoration.
“Let us know, let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord.
His going forth is established as the morning;
He will come to us like the rain,
Like the latter and former rain to the earth.” Hosea 6:3
Knowing God brings refreshing and revival like rain to parched ground. This is not just once in a while. If we maintain intimacy with God—it doesn’t matter how dry of a desert we are traversing—He is our constant oasis. In the darkest times we may not always SEE it, but when we cling to His promises, we unequivocally KNOW He is always supplying our every need.
8. God gives us His love.
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8
Knowing God transforms how we love others—it is the best evidence of His presence within us. Love is not something just between us and God. Rather that is the smallest measure of His love that we experience. The greatest measure of His love is when it is flowing through us and into others. There is nothing more precious we experience than to love others the way God loves us.
Tomorrow we will discuss some practical ways to build intimacy with God.
Reflection Thought:
Are you experiencing ALL these blessings of God’s presence—peace, purpose, freedom, love, strength, wisdom and joy? Do you share this special intimacy with Him? If not—evaluate what is keeping you from pressing deeper. To live close to God is the most important daily decision we make.
Prayer:
Father God, Thank You that I don’t have to just know about You—I can truly know You. Help me not to settle for a shallow relationship. Draw me closer every day. Let Your peace, love, wisdom, power, and joy overflow in my life. Teach me to walk in intimacy with You, to abide in You, and to live with the strength that comes from Your presence. I want to know You more. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
