“The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.’” — Exodus 34:6

By: Melissa Bell

Getting to know someone goes far beyond recognizing their face or remembering their name. It takes time, conversation, shared experiences, and emotional connection to truly understand a person’s character. Studies even suggest it takes at least six months to genuinely know someone.

Our relationship with God is no different.

If we want to trust God deeply, we must know who He is. His character is revealed throughout Scripture and echoed in the moments of our own lives. When we understand His nature, the difficult seasons don’t necessarily disappear—but they become easier to walk through because we know who is walking with us.

One of the clearest reminders of this is found in Joshua 1:9, where God says, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” God’s presence isn’t occasional or conditional. It is constant, steady, and deeply personal.

As you grow in your understanding of Him, here are some characteristics of God worth meditating on:

• God is ever-present — He is with us in every moment (Joshua 1:9).
• God is compassionate — Luke 7:11–17 shows Jesus moved by human suffering.
• God carries us — Psalm 68:19 reminds us He sustains and supports us.
• God is just — Isaiah 30:18 reveals His commitment to righteousness.
• God is faithful — 2 Timothy 2:13 assures us He remains true even when we falter.
• God is forgiving — Micah 7:18 celebrates His delight in showing mercy.
• God is our protector — Psalm 18:2 describes Him as our rock and fortress.

As you read Scripture, I encourage you to highlight every verse that reveals something about God’s character. Over time, you’ll build a personal record of who He is—and that knowledge will anchor your trust in Him no matter what you face.