Who is God?

It's a pretty big question, isn't it?

Maybe you grew up hearing about God every Sunday. Maybe you were introduced to Him through someone who demonstrated patience, kindness, and love.

Or maybe your experience was the complete opposite.

Maybe the word God makes you think of rules, punishment, disappointment, or an authority figure who's impossible to please.

And maybe you're not even sure He exists.

Wherever you find yourself, there's room for that conversation here.

Before we dive into what God expects from us, how we're supposed to live, or what it means to follow Jesus, I think we should begin somewhere more fundamental.

Who does God say He is?

Because if we're going to build a relationship with someone, shouldn't we begin by getting to know them?

We're certainly not going to understand everything about an infinite God in one blog post. 😂

And honesty, just like other relationships, over time and through experiences we get to know Him more deeply and intimately.

And Scripture actually gives us somewhere to start.

Let's explore it together.


1. God Is the Creator of Everything

Think about the world around you, everything you see and do, day in and day out.

The mountains. The oceans. The trees. The animals. The stars scattered across the sky.

And you.

The very first verse of the Bible introduces God as Creator.

Genesis 1:1 tells us that God created the heavens and the earth.

Before we're introduced to commandments, religious traditions, or even humanity's failures, we're introduced to the One who made everything.

And then, in Genesis 1:26–27, Scripture tells us something extraordinary.

Human beings were created in God's image.

Now, that doesn't mean we physically look like God. It means humanity was created with a particular dignity and purpose, reflecting Him in ways that distinguish us within creation.

Think about that for a moment.

Your value doesn't begin with your achievements, your appearance, your career, or how well you've managed to follow religious expectations.

And it doesn't disappear when you struggle.

You were created with dignity by the One who made the universe.

That includes the person who's been in church their entire life and the person who isn't sure they believe in God at all.

Read for yourself: Genesis 1:1, 26–27; Psalm 24:1.


2. God Is Our Heavenly Father

Now, this one might be complicated for some of us.

When you hear the word father, what comes to mind?

Maybe you picture someone loving, dependable, and present.

Or maybe you think of someone who was absent, harsh, violent, unpredictable, or difficult to trust.

Our experiences with earthly parents can shape how we imagine God.

This is in no way an attempt to excuse the behaviors of our parents, good or bad. It is, perhaps, a way to lighten your burden of carrying it.

Find peace in knowing that your Heavenly Father loves and adores you. In spite of the hand you've been dealt.

But Scripture describes God's fatherhood as something greater than even our best human examples.

When Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, He began by addressing God as their Father (Matthew 6:9).

Later in that chapter, Jesus encouraged His followers not to be consumed by worry because their heavenly Father knows what they need.

But here's something else worth understanding.

God's love doesn't mean He never corrects us.

And I will not be the gal who paints a pretty picture but doesn't tell you the fine print. Our earthly parents made sure we had everything we needed and that sometimes included discipline, and God does the same.

Hebrews 12 describes God's discipline as an expression of His care, intended to help His children grow in holiness.

So yes, God has authority.

He teaches. He corrects. He calls us to obedience.

But His fatherhood isn't simply about enforcing rules.

It's also about belonging, trust, provision, and care.

There's freedom in knowing you don't have to earn your place in His family through perfect performance.

And if the idea of God as Father is difficult for you, that's okay to acknowledge.

It's a conversation worth having.

Read for yourself: Matthew 6:9, 25–32; Romans 8:15; Hebrews 12:6–10.


3. God Knows You Personally

Have you ever wondered whether God actually notices you?

Not humanity as a whole.

You.

Your personality. Your thoughts. Your worries. Your hopes. The things you haven't told anybody.

Psalm 139 is one of the most beautiful places to begin exploring this.

David describes a God who knows when he sits and rises, understands his thoughts, and is familiar with his ways.

Jesus even tells His followers that the hairs on their heads are numbered (Matthew 10:30).

Now, I don't know about you, but I couldn't tell you how many hairs are on my own head. Between the hair salon, barber shop and natural shedding, how often does that number change!😂

And yet, Scripture uses that image to communicate just how intimately God knows us.

Psalm 139:13–16 also describes God's involvement in our formation before birth.

Before you could introduce yourself to anybody, God already knew you.

Now that doesn't mean every decision we make reflects His desires. And it doesn't mean every painful experience was something He delighted in.

But it does mean our lives aren't hidden from Him.

You are known by the One who created you.

Read for yourself: Genesis 1:27; Matthew 10:29–31; Psalm 139:1–16.


4. God Is All-Knowing, All-Powerful, and Holy

Now let's talk about something we don't always emphasize when discussing God's love.

God is holy.

He isn't simply a bigger, stronger version of us.

Scripture describes His knowledge and power as beyond anything humanity can fully comprehend.

Psalm 147:5 speaks of His immeasurable understanding.

Jeremiah 32:17 declares that nothing is too difficult for Him.

And in Isaiah 6:3, the heavenly beings proclaim His holiness.

So what does that mean for us?

It means God is worthy of reverence. He should be someone we find awe and fear in.

Now when the Bible talks about the fear of the Lord, it isn't the type of fear we are usually associated with. The way I make sense of it is similar to the fear I have about showing up at work and doing the best job I can. It is a healthy fear; one that reminds me to hold tight to my morals and my standards. Because compromising them means I could eventually stand for anything. And I don't want that.

Proverbs 9:10 connects that fear with the beginning of wisdom.

But fearing God isn't simply about being terrified of Him.

It's about recognizing who He is. The Alpha and Omega and the infinite creator.

Understanding that He is holy, just, powerful, and worthy of our humility and obedience.

And here's where I think we sometimes struggle.

We love talking about a God who comforts us.

But what about a God who corrects us?

What happens when His Word challenges something we believe?

What happens when we don't understand His decisions?

Or when we encounter a passage that makes us uncomfortable?

Those questions don't have to end the conversation.

They may be where a deeper understanding begins. So keep asking them, and stay open to receiving the answer regardless of how it challenges you.

God's love doesn't diminish His holiness. And His holiness doesn't diminish His love.

Both are essential to understanding who He is.

Read for yourself: Psalm 147:5; Jeremiah 32:17; Proverbs 9:10; Isaiah 6:3.


5. God Is Eternal and Unchanging

Everything around us changes.

Seasons change.

Relationships change.

Circumstances change.

We change.

But Scripture describes God differently.

Psalm 90:2 tells us that God exists from everlasting to everlasting.

In Malachi 3:6, God declares that He does not change.

And Revelation 1:8 describes the Lord God as the One who is, who was, and who is to come.

God isn't limited by time the way we are.

He doesn't have a beginning or an expiration date.

His character isn't constantly shifting according to His mood or our circumstances.

Now, that doesn't mean we'll always understand what He's doing. cuz baby, I surely don't half the time

Sometimes life will feel confusing.

Sometimes our prayers won't be answered the way we hoped.

Sometimes we'll struggle to reconcile what Scripture tells us about God's goodness with what we're experiencing.

Those are real struggles, and I don't want us to pretend otherwise.

But Scripture presents God's character as dependable even when our understanding is incomplete. His plan is complete, He's already shown us parts of it. Remember He created everything around us, including you.

We change. Our circumstances change. God remains faithful.

Read for yourself: Psalm 90:2; Malachi 3:6; Revelation 1:8.


6. And This God Loves Us

Here's what stops me and drops me to my knees.

The God who created the universe…

The God who knows everything…

The God who is holy, eternal, and worthy of reverence…

Loves us.

Not because we've managed to get everything right.

Not because we've earned His attention.

Not because we've never doubted, struggled, or failed.

God said in Jeremiah 31:3

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

And in Lamentations 3:22-23 it says

22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

That's important. That's the affirmation that needs to go on the mirror!

Because God doesn't just have loving feelings toward humanity. Again and again, throughout Scripture, humanity fails to do what God asks. And yes, there are accounts of his anger and judgment (I mean He did flood the entire earth). People make choices that go against what God desires, and those choices have consequences.

And He still loved us. We see His mercy woven into the story. Humanity rebels, God judges what is wrong, and He still continues pursuing, preserving, and making a way for people to return to Him. That is love in action.

Do we treat others like that? When people hurt us, betray us, violate a boundary... do we retaliate or hold a grudge or act in anger? Or do we forgive and help find a way for them to still be with and around us?

I'm not saying that every person should be around us. Violence is not the answer and boundaries are important.

But what I am saying is that we could never be as good and perfect nor constant as God. So why not give Him a chance to fill the spaces of your brokenness?

And that brings us back to the superhero Jesus.

The Bible presents Jesus as central to God's plan to reconcile humanity to Himself. To save us once and for all.

God's love isn't something we can earn through perfect behavior. God doesn't require the same back and forth or games that humans do in order for us to receive His love.

It's something Scripture invites us to discover, receive, and respond to.

Read for yourself: John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:9–10.


7. A Question to Bring to the Table

We've talked about God as Creator, Father, all-knowing, all-powerful, holy, eternal, and loving.

That's a lot to take in.

And maybe some of these descriptions brought you comfort.

Maybe others brought up questions.

Maybe the idea of a loving Father is difficult because of your upbringing.

Maybe you struggle with the idea of God's power because you've experienced something painful and wondered why He didn't intervene.

Maybe you're wrestling with how God can be both loving and just.

I don't want us to pretend those questions don't exist.

And I certainly don't want us to rush past them with an answer that sounds good but doesn't address what you're actually asking.

That's part of why Become The Table exists.

We're here to open Scripture, explore what it says, and have conversations that leave room for honesty, humility, and growth.

Sometimes we'll find clarity.

Sometimes we'll discover that a passage is more complicated than we first thought.

And sometimes we'll have to sit with questions that don't have simple answers.

But we can keep learning.

So here's what I'd love for you to consider:

When you hear the word “God,” what picture comes to mind?

A loving Father?

A strict authority figure?

Someone distant?

Someone you've struggled to trust?

Or someone you're still trying to decide whether you believe in?

You don't have to say the answer you think you're supposed to give. Say the one that keeps you up at night or is burning deep in your heart.

Let's start with the real one.

And if you're looking for somewhere to begin reading Scripture for yourself, I'd encourage you to spend some time with Psalm 139.

Read it slowly.

Notice what it says about God's knowledge of us, His presence, and His involvement in our creation.

Then ask yourself:

If this is who Scripture says God is, how does that compare with the picture I've carried of Him?


8. Tomorrow: Who Has God Been to Me?

Today, we explored what Scripture reveals about God's character.

But I also want to talk about what learning to know and trust Him has looked like in real life.

So tomorrow, we're going to get a little more personal.

I'll share who God has been to me.

Not because my experiences define who God is.

And not because everyone's journey will look like mine.

But because I believe there's value in sharing how what we read in Scripture has shaped our lives, challenged our assumptions, and helped us grow.

And there are still so many things I wrestle with and don't understand. But what I do know, is that God has never stopped showing up for me and has always loved me.

And as we continue these conversations, I hope you'll feel comfortable sharing your experiences, too.

Because this isn't about having all the answers.

It's about beginning a relationship, learning together, and allowing Scripture to help us understand the One we're getting to know.

Pull up a chair. There's room for your questions here. 🪑🌿

Become The Table — Gather. Grow. Guide. Give Grace.

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