The Wells of His Character

Do you ever have days where your heart just feels heavy with the brokenness you see in the world? In your friend’s lives? In your own life? I was feeling that this morning, in the two hours I had before chapel/my first class. In those moments, I just ask the Lord to show me His character. To reveal to me more of Himself…parts of Him that I’ve never encountered before. My devotions led me to Isaiah 55:8-9

For my thought are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.

I was reminded that I shouldn’t put a whole lot of stock into my own thoughts, as the Lord’s thoughts and ways are literally miles higher than my own. I left for the day, deciding to trust that God knows what He’s doing with the world. That His ways and thoughts were higher than mine.

Chapel later on that day, led me to Isaiah again. This time, Isaiah 40-41. The speaker did a quick overview, pointing out the places where God’s character shone through.

Maybe you need a reminder of God’s character today. He answered my prayers today and reaffirmed those truths in me today. Maybe the words of Isaiah will resonate in your heart and give you new confidence and boldness.

He is a God of comfort and unending forgiveness (Isaiah 40:1-2): Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that he iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.

He is permanent and our only source of stability (Isaiah 40:8): The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever

He is a protector (Isaiah 40:11): He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young

He lifts up the weak and makes them strong (Isaiah 40:28-29): Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.

He satisfies the needy (Isaiah 40:31): They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

He has chosen us and makes us fearless (Isaiah 41:9-10): I have chosen you and not cast you off. Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

He will never forsake us (Isaiah 41:17): When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with third, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

Friends, let us believe and press into these words. They will make us fearless. Let these words guide us and draw us deeper into the wells of His character. Let us seek to keep hungering after His character, as His thoughts and ways are infinitely higher than ours.