What is God Really Like?

Genesis 1:1 (New King James Version)

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 18:14 (New King James Version)

Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

The creation story teaches us much about God and our selves.

First, we learn about God:

1. He is creative;
2. As the Creator, He is distinct from His creation;
3. He is eternal and in control of the world.

We also learn about ourselves:

1. Since God chose to create us, we are valuable in His eyes;
2. We are more important than the animals.

Numbers 14:17-20 (New International Version)

Now may the Lord’s strength be displayed, just as you have declared: The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion.
Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation. In accordance
with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now. The LORD replied, “I
have forgiven them, as you asked.

Moses pleaded with God, asking Him to forgive His people. His plea reveals several characteristics of God:

1. God is immensely patient;
2. God’s love is one promise we can always count on;
3. God forgives again and again;
4. God is merciful, listening to and answering our requests.

God has not changed since Moses’ day. Like Moses, we can rely on God’s love, patience, forgiveness, and mercy.

Psalm 34:9-10 (New King James Version)

Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear (reverence) Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.

You say you belong to the Lord, but do you show reverence (fear) to Him? To reverence the Lord means to show deep respect and honor to Him. We demonstrate true reverence by our humble attitude and genuine worship.

At first we may question David’s statement because we seem to lack many good things. This is not a blanket promise that all Christians will have everything they want. Instead, this is David’s praise for God’s goodness—all those who call upon God in their need will be answered, sometimes in unexpected ways.

Remember, God knows what we need, and our deepest needs are spiritual. Many Christians, even though they face unbearable poverty and hardship, still
have enough spiritual nourishment to live for God. David was saying that if you have God, you have all you really need. God is enough.

If you feel you don’t have everything you need, ask:

1. Is this really a need?
2. Is this really good for me?
3. Is this the best time for me to have what I desire?

Even if you answer yes to all three questions, God may allow you to go without to help you grow more dependent on Him. He may want you to learn that you need Him more than you need your immediate desires met.