Imagine being invited into the presence of someone so powerful, so awe-inspiring, that you could hardly fathom his or her greatness.

You know that even the most eloquent words – the most beautiful descriptions – would fall short of genuinely capturing who they are. And yet, despite that, this person decides to reveal himself or herself to you. He or she doesn’t just leave you in awe from a distance, but choose to share his or her heart with you. You are given access to his or her deep, unsearchable wisdom. This is a glimpse into our relationship with God.

There is a God, and He is much more than we can imagine. He is beyond our comprehension. His glory, His majesty, His holiness – they are infinite, and yet, He makes Himself known to us. This truth should f ill us with both awe and immense gratitude. As we dive into this morning of Silent Sounds, we will explore how God reveals Himself to us by His grace.

God Is So Much More Than We Can Imagine

To start, let’s take a moment to consider the greatness of God. It’s easy for us to think we know everything there is to know about God. After all, if you’ve grown up in the church or around Christians, you’ve heard the Bible, you’ve possibly sung the songs, and you might know the Christian “lingo.” But the reality is that God is so much more than we can ever understand. His nature is far more profound and far richer than we can fathom.

In 1 Chronicles 29:10–13, King David stands before the congregation of Israel, preparing to build the temple. He speaks about God’s greatness and majesty, acknowledging that everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to Him. David declares:

“Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord , is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.” —1 Chronicles 29:11–13 

Activity

In your Bible, do the following steps:

• Draw a line under the one to whom David is directing his praise.
• Draw a circle around every word David uses to describe God.
• Draw a box around every sentence or phrase where David mentions God’s authority.

In the space provided, describe David’s posture or attitude toward God.

David is overwhelmed by God’s greatness. His words reflect a profound reverence, but even these words fall short of describing the fullness of who God is. God’s greatness cannot be contained by human language or understanding. He is the Creator of the universe – He created the stars, the oceans, the mountains, and even the very breath in our lungs. He is the One who holds everything together by the power of His will.

Consider this: God spoke everything into existence (Genesis 1–2). He didn’t need anyone’s help, nor did He rely on anything outside of Himself. The universe itself reflects His immense power and wisdom. We realize how small we are when we try to wrap our minds around God’s greatness. No matter how many books we read or how much theology we study, we will never fully grasp the depths of His nature.

But the reality is that God is not just some far-off, distant god who is too great for us to understand. Yes, He is more than we can imagine, but He is not unreachable. And this is where God’s grace comes into play.

God’s Grace Makes Him Knowable

Isaiah 55:8–9 reminds us of the vast difference between our thoughts and God’s thoughts:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” —Isaiah 55:8–9 17

Questions

1. What part of the Bible passages stood out to you the most? Was it something about God’s power, glory or grace? Maybe it was the idea that God’s ways are higher than ours. Write down your thoughts.

2. What does it mean that God is much greater than you can fully understand? Does it feel overwhelming, comforting or aweinspiring? Why? Consider how you feel when you think about how big and mighty God is.

3. How does it make you feel that God, who is so vast and powerful, wants to make Himself known to you? Does this surprise you? Do you find it comforting to know you can have a personal relationship with someone as great as God? Write down your feelings.

God is infinitely higher than we are. His thoughts, His ways, and His understanding are beyond us. When we think we’ve reached the limits of knowledge, we’re just beginning to scratch the surface of His eternal wisdom.

Yet, despite this infinite gap between us and God, He makes Himself known to us. God’s grace allows us access to His wisdom, character and even His heart. While we can never fully understand God’s infinite nature, He invites us into a relationship with Him. He doesn’t leave us in the dark, trying to figure it all out alone. Through His Word, His Spirit and the life of Jesus Christ, He reveals Himself to us.

In English clergyman George Swinnock’s book The Blessed and Boundless God, we’re reminded of this truth: “God is both infinite and intimate. He is so much more than we could ever imagine, yet He chooses to reveal Himself to us in ways that we can begin to understand. The glory of God is not meant to keep us at arm’s length but to draw us into a deeper relationship with Him. We can know Him because He has made Himself knowable.”

A Relationship with God

So, how can we, as Prestonwood Students, experience this relationship with God? How can we tap into this knowledge of a God who is much greater than us?

1. Through His Word

God has given us the Bible not just as a book of rules but as a revelation of His heart. As we read the Scriptures, we discover more about who God is. We see His justice, mercy, holiness, love and so much more. The Bible contains everything we need to know to have a relationship with God. As you dive into God’s Word, ask Him to open your eyes and heart to understand what He’s saying. Suggested resource to begin reading God’s Word: Foundations Devotional

2. Through Prayer

Prayer is not just a way to ask for things; it’s an invitation to communicate with the Creator of the universe, just as you would a best friend. When we pray, we acknowledge God is both near and far. He is the God who spoke the universe into existence, yet He listens to our every word. Prayer allows us to align our hearts with His, express our gratitude, and seek His will. Suggested resource to begin praying: Pray.com app

3. Through Jesus Christ

The ultimate way God has made Himself known to us is through Jesus. Jesus is God in the flesh, coming to reveal the Father to us. Jesus shows us God’s love, mercy, holiness and grace. He is the perfect example of how we are to live, and He makes it possible for us to be reconciled to God through His death and Resurrection. If you want to know God, look to Jesus.

Suggested resource to begin praying:

3 Circles Video

God is so much more than we can ever comprehend. His greatness, power and holiness are beyond our understanding. But out of His grace, He makes Himself knowable to us. He invites us into a relationship with Him, one where we can learn from Him, experience His love, and grow in our knowledge of Who He is.

As you continue your journey with God (whatever this looks like at this point in your life), remember this: You will never fully know Him, but that’s OK. God is infinite, and we are finite. God has made Himself known to you in His mercy and grace. He has revealed Himself through His Word, Son and Spirit. And because of this, you can know Him and walk with Him.

In David’s words, let us give thanks to the God of glory, the God who is beyond understanding but who makes Himself known to His children. Let’s praise His glorious name, for He is worthy of all our worship.

What’s one truth from this devotional that you want to hold onto and apply to your life?

Prayer

God, we thank You for being so much more than we can imagine. You are glorious, majestic and holy, yet You make Yourself known to us through Your grace. Help us to grow in our understanding of You and to embrace the relationship You offer us. Open our hearts to Your Word and teach us to walk in Your ways. We praise Your glorious name and are in awe of who You are. In Jesus’ name, Amen.