If you spend any time with me you will eventually hear me talk about the metaphors that God uses in scripture to explain our relationship with Him.  I am fascinated with them.  They are a beautiful picture of God’s love, care, provision and affection for us. I have been pondering the idea that God really does want and enjoy us for several years.  Take some time to look over the metaphors that I have listed below.  Ponder them, ask God questions.  If you allow them to take root they will bring a confidence as you deal with life.  The lie that most of us struggle with is that we are alone.  It is all up to us, we have no one to help us or be with us along the journey.  The metaphors of scripture will help combat or erase that lie.  Imagine how much different your life would be if you were absolutely confident that God was with you.

Here are some of the metaphors that scripture uses to describe your relationship with God.  This is a good start and guide to help you understand your relationship with God.

• We are the clay, and He is the Potter – Jeremiah 18:1-6; Isaiah 64:8.  This is a good picture of God’s care for us and that He has a purpose and a plan for us.  The Potter creates with a purpose and plan.  He has no random creations, you have all have been made with a plan and purpose to be enjoyed by your creator.
• We are the vine, He is the Branch – John 15:1-11.  Everything we have follows to us through God’s strength and provision for our lives.  We find our being, and sustenance by remaining, continuing, persisting, lasting and enduring in the vine.
• We are the sheep, He is the Shepherd – John 10:1-18. We know and respond to His voice.  He cares, protects and provides for us.  Spend some time with a farmer.  Watch how well they know their animals, and how well the animals know and depend on the farmer.  Most of us are so removed from a farm that we have lost the beauty of this metaphor.  This is a rich picture of God’s protection, attentiveness and safekeeping of us.
• We are His children – Romans 8:17; Galatians 4:6. This is the first picture of a two way relationship.  God cares for us but we learn to love Him, not just for what does but for who He is. He knows…….
  • God knows all of our thoughts, habits and actions. “O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.” – Psalm 139:1-3
  • God knows our future. He knows us personally and plans for us. He provides the best for us, if we follow Him. “‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,’ says the Lord, ‘thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.’” – Jeremiah 29:11
  • God knew us before we were created, before we were even born! “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you;” – Jeremiah 1:5
  • God knows all our features and characteristics, He values us and cares for us greatly and more than we can imagine. “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:7
  • God knows our name. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1
  • He made us and knows every detail of our lives! “See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;” Isaiah 49:16

• We are His friend – John 15:15. Friends share life, stories and joy together. God wants to walk with you through the joys and struggles and share your day to day life.  He wants to be the person that you talk about your day with. He invites us to stroll with Him in the cool of the day, talk, fellowship and enjoy His company as He enjoys ours.
• We are the bride, and He is the Bridegroom – John 3:29.  This relationship is about choice.  We must choose to love Him, again not for what does but for who He is.  This is a rich metaphor about God’s pursuit and desire for us.

“The courtship that began with a honeymoon in the garden culminates in the wedding feast of the lamb.” John Eldredge, The Sacred Romance 

The courtship that began with a honeymoon in the garden culminates in the wedding feast of the lamb.

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