Session 30

How do you feel about God?

From 2 Samuel: A 5-Week Devotional

Have you heard the saying: “What Susie says of Sally says more of Susie than of Sally”? 

It’s is mostly used in reference to gossip, but it has more relevance than that. The things we say and think about the people around us have more to do with what’s going on inside of us than they do with whoever we are speaking of.

For example, when you’re angry with your husband, it’s likely you don’t have as many loving things to say about him to your coworkers as you would on a day where he showed up with flowers and breakfast in bed. The person you’re speaking of hasn’t changed, but your experience with him has. 

This is true in our relationship with God, as well. How we see God says more about us than it does about Him. 

How we see God says more about us than it does about Him.

For example, in 2 Samuel 22:1-30, David can write in detail about God as protector and rescuer (2 Samuel 22:1-20) because David humbled himself before the Lord time and time again. 

Even though David wasn’t perfect, he doesn’t see God as shrewd or vengeful because David was willing to repent and turn from his sin. David experienced God’s grace and forgiveness. So to David, it was impossible to see God as anything other than faithful, blameless, and pure.

David is a great example of the fact that when we are real with our feelings toward God, we can learn to experience the reality of His heart toward us. Being honest about how we see God gives us the opportunity to examine how we may be affecting our own ability to experience God’s complete unchanging character.  

Reflect:

• Can you think of a time when you haven’t been “real” with your feelings toward God?
• What is something that might stop you from being more authentic in your approach to God?
• What is one thing you need to change to more fully experience God’s heart toward you?