Finding Stillness in the Knowledge of God: Five Truths About God to Rest In
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
—2 Peter 1:2
At the offset of Second Peter, in a little introductory verse that could easily be glossed over and forgotten, the author sneaks in a monumental, elemental truth: growing in our knowledge of God, and of Jesus, can result in an abundance of grace and peace.
Screeeeeeeeeech. That was me slamming my breaks. Did you just say that learning about God can result in an abundance of grace and peace?! I must know more! After all, who isn’t longing for more peace in our fast-paced world?!
Let’s read 2 Peter 1:2 again, just-in-case you missed it the first time…
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 1:2
(Now, just to clear up any confusion: many of us long for more peace, but this isn’t about using God to acquire peace, with peace being the end goal… this is about a stance of honesty and humility, recognizing that if you’re experiencing agitation of the soul, there may be areas God is inviting you to expand your knowledge of who he is.)
So, how exactly does one grow in the knowledge of God?
Practically speaking, I’d begin with prayer. As you recognize your need for an expanded knowledge of God’s character, call on Him to guide each step of the journey. And recall the beautiful truth his Word promises: when we seek Him, we willfind Him.
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12-13
There are all kinds of avenues God might use; keep your eyes open for community groups, Bible studies, or even the way creation is tugging at your heart. Crack open your Bible and just read—powerful things happen when we receive God’s word. (Read Isaiah 55:9-12 for more on what his Word accomplishes… it’s incredible…)
And as you grow in your knowledge of God, you will be so pleased with what you find: he is gentle. He is humble in heart.
I love this scripture below describing Jesus:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Isn’t he lovely? Engaging with a person like that brings peace. And true rest is exactly what Jesus desires for us when we come to him.
These sweet aspects of his character (gentleness and humility) are just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more to dig into.
The more we know about Him, the more we can trust him. And the more we trust him, the more our hearts can rest in his sovereign care.
May you find joy in the journey as you deepen your knowledge of who God is and the love he has for you. It’s the endeavor of a lifetime. Below are a few of my favorite truths to reflect on:
God has taken believers in as his beloved children. (1 John 3:1)
God is compassionate, gracious, and slow to anger. (Psalm 103:8)
Being faithful and trustworthy are core to who God is. (Psalm 145:13)
God can use any trials we endure for good. (James 1:2-4, Romans 8:28)
God will never, ever leave our side. (Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 23:4)
(Another great resource is Lauren Ibach’s The Bible in a Year. Each week she highlights a new attribute of God that correlates with the section of scripture being covered. It’s such a helpful tool for those looking to grow in their knowledge of God.)
I pray that as you seek God, and reflect on the knowledge of who he is, that your souls will find true stillness. I pray that 1 Peter 1:2 will become your story, and that your hearts will find rest in the shadow of God’s protective care.
I’ll end with this portion of Psalm 91:
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2
May we know and trust him, friends! Peace to you!
