Topical Encyclopedia
Awareness of GodThe concept of God's awareness is foundational to understanding His nature and relationship with creation. Scripture affirms that God is omniscient, meaning He possesses complete and perfect knowledge of all things, past, present, and future. This divine attribute is evident in numerous passages throughout the Bible.
Psalm 139:1-4 declares, "O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD." This passage highlights God's intimate knowledge of individual lives, emphasizing His awareness of every action, thought, and intention.
In the New Testament,
Hebrews 4:13 states, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." This verse underscores the comprehensive scope of God's awareness, extending to all creation and every human heart.
God's Action in the WorldGod's awareness is not passive; it is coupled with His active involvement in the world. The Bible portrays God as a dynamic being who intervenes in human history and individual lives according to His sovereign will and purpose.
In the Old Testament, God's action is evident in His deliverance of Israel from Egypt.
Exodus 3:7-8 records God's words to Moses: "I have surely seen the affliction of My people in Egypt, and I have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sufferings. I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey." Here, God's awareness of Israel's suffering leads to decisive action for their liberation.
The New Testament reveals God's ultimate action in the incarnation of Jesus Christ.
John 3:16 proclaims, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This act of sending His Son is the pinnacle of God's redemptive work, demonstrating His love and commitment to humanity's salvation.
God's Ongoing InvolvementGod's action is not limited to historical events; He continues to be actively involved in the lives of believers.
Philippians 2:13 assures, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." This verse highlights God's ongoing work within individuals, guiding and empowering them to fulfill His purposes.
Moreover, God's providential care is evident in His sustaining of creation.
Colossians 1:17 affirms, "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." This statement reflects God's continuous action in maintaining the order and existence of the universe.
Prayer and God's ResponseThe Bible encourages believers to engage with God's awareness and action through prayer. 1
John 5:14-15 states, "This is the confidence that we have in Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him." Prayer is a means by which believers can align themselves with God's will and experience His responsive action in their lives.
In summary, God's awareness and action are integral to His character and His relationship with creation. His omniscience ensures that nothing escapes His notice, while His active involvement demonstrates His love, justice, and sovereignty. Through His awareness and action, God continues to fulfill His divine purposes in the world and in the lives of His people.