My favorite books are biographies of men and women of God. I’m often captivated by the life and character of the author or person of interest. Their lives are a mystery, and I am intrigued by their values and beliefs, the circumstances they encountered, how God moved heaven and earth to aid them in their trials, and how they responded to them. In reading about these saints, my own faith is encouraged. I gained applicable wisdom for my own life, and in some small way, I felt like I got to know them.

The Bible is my ultimate favorite. I love learning about the character of the Lord and the truths revealed in His Word, which we are all called to live by. While some Scriptures are mysteries to me, I love the adventure of searching for their meanings to gain a better understanding. Proverbs 25:2, NASB states, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.” Fortunately, the Holy Spirit is our teacher and will provide understanding.

Our God is massive, powerful, gentle, loving; He is total wisdom. I believe He designed us for such a close relationship with Him that He becomes closer than a best friend. But, like our earthly relationships, which develop over time, we only reveal our true selves, deepest thoughts, and secrets with people we are the closest to and trust. I am discovering that God is the same way—as our relationship deepens, He increasingly reveals His thoughts, plans, and secrets about who He is and what He has in store for us.

God wants us to know Him, and we shall come to know Him as we diligently seek Him. Several times in the Epistles, Paul talks about “the mystery.” The mystery of Christ, the mystery of the Gospel, and in 1 Corinthians 2:7, he states, “we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom ...”. There is hunger in me, and in most of us, for the mysteries and the hidden wisdom God wants to share. It is not earthly wisdom, but a heavenly wisdom revealed by His Spirit to ours.

When Jesus said to seek the kingdom first, I believe He was inviting us to know Him and His Kingdom. I praise God that we can know Him. He is not a God who is far off, but near (See Jeremiah 23:23-24). Plus, there is so much He wants to show us about who He is!

but just as it is written, “THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM." For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. (1 Corinthians 2:9-10)

In reading God’s Word, we learn so much about His character, His nature, and His plan for our lives. For example, Psalm 103 refers to the lovingkindness and compassion of God four times (see Psalm 103:4, Psalm 103:8, Psalm 103:11, Psalm 103:17). These words reveal several aspects of the character of our God, whom we love and serve. Daily, I need His lovingkindness, which is always available. In fact, I rely on it. The closer I get and the more I learn of the Lord, I find myself in total awe of Him. Do you feel that way, too?

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Scripture is quoted from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 1960, 1971, 1997, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.