Something I read in Proverbs this morning has me thinking about the multifaceted nature of the believer’s relationship with the God of heaven and earth.

Multifaceted. I so like that word. Many sided. As in a cut gem. Each face of a diamond, when held up to the light, presenting a distinct, yet equally glorious, array of color and implication. It’s the idea found in Ephesians 3:10 where Paul speaks of the church making known to those in heavenly places the “manifold”, or multifaceted, wisdom of God. And, if you think about it, our relationship to God, and thus our responses toward Him, are multifaceted, as well.

He is the Creator and we are His creation. The awesome, holy, holy, holy God, who allows those less than holy to enter His presence through the blood of sacrifice. Thus, we relate to Him with reverent fear. Falling on our face at the thought of being in His midst. Prostrating ourselves before Him. Unworthy, and feeling almost unable, to behold even the outer edges of His glory. Yet thankful beyond description to touch even the hem of His garment.

He is the Master and we are His slaves. Having been bought with a price, we are no longer our own (1Cor. 6:19-20). He commands the house, we are but vessels in His hands (2Tim. 2:20-21). Our will made subject to His. Our greatest desire in that day to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

He is the Father and we are His children. Born once of a mother’s womb to enter this world, we have been born again of the Spirit to enter the kingdom (Jn 3:5-6). The Spirit, Paul’s says, of adoption. Testifying with our spirit that we are children of God. Giving voice to that familial realty as He prompts us to cry, “Abba, Father” (Rom. 8:14-16). Thus, we also relate to this awe-evoking, life-demanding God as a loving, faithful, nurturing, protecting, and providing Father.

And we could go on. But here’s the facet of our relationship with God above all gods that I’m chewing on this morning. The reality that we are in His confidence.

Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways, for the devious person is an abomination to the LORD, but the upright are in His confidence.

(Proverbs 3:31-32 ESV)

We are in His confidence. Brought into His “secret counsel” (NKJV). With us “He is intimate” (NASB). For those declared “godly” through the finished work of the cross, “He offers His friendship” (NLT). For those made “upright” by the power of His risen life, “He is a friend” (HCSB).

We are in His confidence. Privy to the secret things of God (Matt. 13:11). Brought into divine mysteries hidden since the foundation of the earth now revealed to those who believe (Eph. 1:7-9). The higher ways than our ways, the higher thoughts than our thoughts, made known to us even as we’ve been given the mind of Christ (Isa. 55:9, 1Cor. 2:16).

Sure, sometimes we are to see ourselves in the King’s court, and so we bow. Other times, in the Master’s house, and thus we obey. But let’s not forget the privilege of sitting at the Teacher’s feet, listening and learning as He shares His heart through the the illuminating agency of the Third Person of the Godhead Himself.  And, relishing the one-on-one time with Him, we draw near. We lean in. We enjoy “doing coffee” with Him at our table for two.

We are in His confidence. Unreal.

What grace.

To Him be all the glory.

Amen?