How to Know God and Find Peace for Your Soul
Heart Happy
Audio By Carbonatix
It was an ordinary Tuesday when I went to pick up my husband from the hospital after a routine procedure. It was a simple outpatient scope. My older son had dropped off John while I ran some errands, and I arrived in time for pickup. Yet when I walked into the office area, a doctor was waiting for me.
“Mrs. Goyer there were some problems with the procedure, and your husband is currently being worked on.”
My heartbeat quickened, and a boulder grew in my stomach. “How bad is it?”
“It was scary for a minute, but he should be fine. My guess is that he’ll need to stay in the hospital for a few days.”
When I rushed back to John, thankfulness filled my heart, and there was also a peace that I couldn’t explain. When I’d woken up that morning, I had no thought of anything different happening other than the day full of errands that I’d had planned. My husband having a major medical problem hadn’t been on my mind. And even though it was scary, John returned home five days later. He also shared God’s goodness with everyone who entered his hospital room.
I also discovered something about myself. Even with the scary news, I had peace, knowing that God was with me. Knowing God isn’t just a cerebral thing. It’s not just about having enough facts; the reality of God tips the scale more to one side or the other. Instead, through the years of reading my Bible, seeking God, and walking in fellowship with Him, I have a true knowing of God’s character. I know God loves me and will take care of me. I know that God will be with me through every challenge, every heartbreak.
Knowing God
“When I refer to ‘knowing God,’ I do not mean any mystical interior revelations of any kind. Such revelations are delightful when you can have them, but they are not always at your command. The kind of knowing I mean is the plain, matter-of-fact knowledge of God’s nature and character that comes to us by believing what is revealed in the Bible concerning Him.”
Hannah Whitall Smith
Sometimes we forget that the God described in the Bible is the same one who is active and present in our lives. We learn about God’s character and nature in the Old Testament, and we witness it in the New Testament. And when I understand God’s character in these ways, it helps me to trust that He will act in a similar manner with me today … and every day.
The very nature of God the Father in the Old Testament breathes life right through the actions and words of Jesus in the New Testament. Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God. During His time walking around the earth, He showed us exactly what the Father’s character looks like in action. We know God for ourselves as we read and study. Yet we know these things to be true when we witness them in our own lives.
10 Evidences of the Character of God
These ten examples illustrate who God is and how understanding His character can transform our daily lives.
1. The Compassionate God
Old Testament (The Father): “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” (Psalm 103:8, NIV)
New Testament (Jesus): “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36, NIV)
2. The Good Shepherd
Old Testament (The Father): “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” (Psalm 23:1, NIV)
New Testament (Jesus): “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, NIV)
Not a single loophole or worry or fear is left to the soul that knows God. –Hannah Whitall Smith
3. The Forgiver of Sins
Old Testament (The Father): “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” (Isaiah 43:25, NIV)
New Testament (Jesus): “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.'” (Mark 2:5, NIV)
4. The Light of Salvation
Old Testament (The Father): “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1, NIV)
New Testament (Jesus): “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” (John 8:12, NIV)
5. The Great Healer
Old Testament (The Father): “For I am the Lord, who heals you.” (Exodus 15:26, NIV)
New Testament (Jesus): “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” (Matthew 4:23, NIV)
6. The Creator of All Things
Old Testament (The Father): “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 40:28, NIV)
New Testament (Jesus): “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16, NIV)
7. The Righteous Judge
Old Testament (The Father): “God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day.” (Psalm 7:11, NIV)
New Testament (Jesus): “Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son.” (John 5:22, NIV)
8. The Faithful Provider
Old Testament (The Father): “The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” (Psalm 145:15-16, NIV)
New Testament (Jesus): “He took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. They all ate and were satisfied.” (Matthew 15:36-37, NIV)
9. The Holy God
Old Testament (The Father): “For I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.” (Leviticus 11:44, NIV)
New Testament (Jesus): “Such a high priest truly meets our need, one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.” (Hebrews 7:26, NIV)
10. The Embodiment of Love
Old Testament (The Father): “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17, NIV)
New Testament (Jesus): “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13, NIV)
Every page of Scripture points us toward a God who loves us deeply and consistently. Seeing how Jesus modeled the Father’s heart gives us a solid foundation for our faith today. It was this very foundation that sustained me in that quiet hospital room with John.
The peace I felt in that moment wasn’t random or circumstantial; it was rooted directly in these unchanging truths of who God is. Knowing Him as our Compassionate Shepherd, Faithful Provider, and Great Healer transforms abstract theology into a living anchor when unexpected storms hit, filling our hearts with a supernatural rest that passes all understanding.
Discussion Questions
1. Which character trait of God mentioned above resonates most with your current season of life, and why?
2. Can you recall a time when you experienced unexpected peace during a stressful or fearful situation? How did knowing God shape that experience?
3. How can actively reflecting on the connection between God’s character in the Old Testament and Jesus’ actions in the New Testament strengthen your daily walk with Him?
A Prayer to Know God More
Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Your true character and nature through Your Word and through the life of Your Son, Jesus. Help us to know You not just with head knowledge, but through a personal, daily trust in Your unfailing love and goodness. When unexpected challenges and storms arrive, ground our hearts in Your peace that passes all understanding. Remind us that You are our Shepherd, Healer, Provider, and constant Companion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
An Exciting Opportunity
Have you ever dreamed of walking the cobblestone streets of Europe and stepping right into the pages of history? I would love to invite you to join me for a special adventure in August 2027. We are heading to the breathtaking city of Prague!
Writing historical fiction and navigating the homeschool journey has shown me that a beautiful adventure begins when we step into the very places where history was made.
The 2027 Prague Experience offers three unique paths to fit your heart’s calling:
- The Mission Experience: Serve alongside local ministries and build meaningful relationships within the community.
- The Homeschool Experience: Bring history, literature, culture, and faith to life through immersive education for your family.
- The Leisure Experience: Take in the stunning architecture, enjoy authentic Czech cuisine, and share wonderful fellowship.
We will discover historic landmarks and celebrate a rich Christian heritage together. The itinerary is being finalized right now, and there is no obligation to simply learn more.
Join the priority list today to receive early registration opportunities, pricing details, and special updates directly from me!
