Knowing God vs. Knowing about Him

Erin Long | July 15, 2025

There’s a big difference between knowing about someone and actually knowing them, and the same is true when it comes to God.

Think about it like this: I could tell you all kinds of facts about my favorite musician (spoiler alert: it’s Taylor Swift). I might know where she was born, the lyrics of every song she’s written, and even what she likes to eat for breakfast (thanks, internet). But if I’ve never had a conversation with Taylor Swift, never spent time in her presence, never spoken to her, I don’t know her. I just know about her.

It’s easy to do the same thing with God. We can read scripture, go to church, listen to podcasts, even quote theology, and still keep God at arm’s length. We might know that He’s gracious, powerful, and kind. We might know the stories: Noah’s Ark, David and Goliath, Jesus feeding the 5,000. But that’s not the same as having a real relationship with Him.

Jesus actually draws this line pretty clearly in John 17:3: “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent”. Eternal life isn’t just a future promise, it’s a present reality, and it starts with knowing God personally.

I remember a season in my life where I knew a lot about God. I could quote verses, lead Bible studies, and explain doctrines. But when I was honest with myself, I felt distant from Him. I wasn’t spending time with Him. I was spending time around Him, reading the Bible like a textbook, praying more out of duty than delight, and checking spiritual boxes so I could feel like a “good Christian.” But my heart was tired, and I felt empty.

What changed everything was slowing down long enough to actually seek Him, not just facts about Him. I started waking up earlier, and just talking to Him in the quiet hours of the morning. I started reading scripture more like a conversation than a study guide. And slowly, I began to recognize His voice, sense His nearness, and see how much He cared, not just about the big-picture stuff, but the small, daily things too.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 says it like this: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me…”

In other words, God isn’t impressed by how much we know or how spiritual we seem. What He wants most is intimacy with us. He wants to be known.

Of course, knowing about God is still good. Studying scripture and learning theology can deepen our understanding and strengthen our faith. But the goal should always be to move from head knowledge to heart connection.

So if you’re feeling a little stuck or distant from God right now, you’re not alone. And the answer isn’t to try harder or do more… it’s to slow down, open your heart, and just be with Him. Talk to Him like a friend. Sit quietly and listen. Read His Word and ask, “God, what do You want me to see about You here?”

The more time we spend with Him, the more we realize that He’s not just a distant concept to be studied, He’s a living God who wants to walk with us, speak to us, and be known by us.

And that changes everything.

This post is inspired by Joey’s sermon on 7/13/2025

Watch it Here