Be Diligent to Know God

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). This verse commands us to diligently study the Word of God. Diligence is a defining characteristic of believers.

Shachar is the Hebrew word for diligence. It literally means “to dawn.” It implies being up early (before the expected time) to do a task. It is the focused, pre-dawn resolve of one who rises before light to secure what is most precious. Jesus modeled this behavior, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35).

Diligently seeking God is reported throughout the Psalms. “O God, you are my God; I shall seek You diligently; my soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1). David seeks to know God with the urgency of a man seeking for water in a desert.

God is not hiding; He wants to be known by us. “I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me” (Proverbs 8:17). The prophets also declared God’s desire to be known, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares Yehovah” (Jeremiah 29:13). Hebrews 11:6 likewise echoes this truth, “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek after Him.”

We diligently study Scripture as our primary source for knowing God. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16).

We also learn about God by studying His creation. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).

“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard” (Psalm 19:1-3).

We also learn about Him by experiencing His correction. “Do not despise the discipline of Yehovah or resent His rebuke, because Yehovah disciplines those He loves” (Proverbs 3:11-12). God blesses those who accept and learn from His discipline, “Respond to My correction with repentance and I will pour out my Spirit to you; I will make my words known to you” (Proverbs 1:23).

“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3)