Knowing God.

We sat down with cookie dough and blueberry cobbler coffee (yes, really and it was soooo good). And we chatted about how knowing who God is based on scripture would change our lives. Those are the best convos. :)

Pulling out some white index cards we began scribbling down who God was, the scriptures that revealed that, and the application of how that applies to us in life day-to-day. His attributes of being Safe, our Strength, a Firm Foundation, and a Refuge were just a few of our growing stack.

Our incredible conversation reminded me of the unique science behind why believing in a loving God is good for your health. Yeah, you read that sentence correctly! I'll share a snippet for you to read for yourself!

“Your belief and view of God also has impact on your mind, brain and spirituality. If you believe in an angry distant God, it actually triggers complex brain reactions, your fear circuits and stress response which increases anxiety. This negative effect on your body, increasing inflammation. When you believe the lies about who God is, and fear He is not ‘for’ you, then you feel you have to watch out for yourself. Physiological and brain changes happen that trigger fear, shutting down love, making it harder to trust others, [to] trust God. It is a mind, brain, spirit connection. But if you believe in a God of love, it calms your fearful brain, resulting in positive thoughts, decreasing inflammation and stress.” – Dr. Catherine Weber, Flourish

She goes on the remind us how our brains have neuroplasticity and can change as we change in our view of who God is. This is good news. It means we aren't stuck by old patterns or memories that shape our thinking. We can apply the truth and begin to live a life with less stress and a better understand of who the Bible says God really is.

As my friend and I explored the names of God together our cards looked sorta like this. But in our curvy handwriting... We wrote on one side an attribute of who God is. The other side we wrote our reflection (the scripture) and the effect that we have seen or believe would occur from believing in this attribute.

Here are three examples:

God is Strength

Reflect: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Effect: I can do what He calls me to, even when its uncomfortable knowing its His strength not mine.

God is Safe

Reflect: The name of the Lord is a strong tower; he righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10

Effect: I can bring my issues and dreams to God knowing He deeply loves me and is unchanging allowing me to feel peace and comfort of being fully me before God.

God is my Provider

Reflect: And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Effect: I can ask God for the things I need knowing that He will give me what I need even if it is not what or how I expect it.

In the same book I quoted earlier, Flourish, Dr. Weber encourages her readers to ask themselves (p.79):

-          Who is God to me?

-          How do I think of Him?

-          How has my understanding changed over the years?

-          How true to biblical teaching is my understanding of Him?

-          Who am I to God?

Look at the list of names:

Rock. Father. Hope. Strong Tower. Firm Foundation. Prince of Peace. Wisdom. Love. Kind. Savior. Messiah. King. Warrior. Protector. Son of God. Immanuel. Safe. Provider. Strength. Hiding Place. Shelter. Defender. Rescuer. Passover Lamb. Teacher. Redeemer. Merciful. Holy. Good. Gracious. Father. Mother. Shepherd. Judge. Mighty. All-knowing. Patient. Beginning and End. Creator. Light. Living Water. Potter.

Do some stick out where you have seen Him in action? Are there some names of God in which you would like for Him to reveal Himself? Pray in anticipation of a loving God excited for you to get to know Him more deeply.

Dear Lord, I have prayed with my friend over our cobbler coffee and I pray again now as I type up this post. Lord, please continue to reveal Yourself to us. Help us Lord to discover You through Your word and delight in You. As we discover You may it change how we live.

I am excited to continue to discover You oh Lord! In Jesus' name amen.

P.S. Y’all should try some Blueberry Cobbler Coffee forget the cookie dough. I mean yum.

With joy,

MJ