Published 6/19/19
Read Isaiah 55:6-9
"Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts 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 and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflect
· As you ponder God's ways, especially His love for us, what thoughts come to mind?
· Do you trust Him, even when you can't sense Him in your life?
· Do you believe that Jesus forgives and accepts you?
"What were they thinking?" You've probably asked that question when you've seen someone do something foolish. Perhaps you've asked it of yourself when you've messed up. The same question applies to situations when someone does something extraordinarily generous, kind or self-sacrificing. In a tone tinged with wonder, we ask: "How can they do that? What were they thinking?"
God's generous love and promises, as described by Isaiah, produces the same sense of wonder. In spite of His people's repeated betrayals, the Lord invites them to His table, to live with Him, and to enjoy HIS eternal love and presence.
Verses 8 and 9 point out that the "what were you thinking?" question is impossible to answer in this case. God's thoughts are so much above and beyond ours, encompassing both the physical and the spiritual worlds, stretching for all eternity. He knows things that we can never comprehend. Similarly, His holiness, love and faithfulness are deeper, wider and richer than our minds can hope to grasp. Because we know His character, we can trust His promises, even when we can't see them in our circumstances.
Pray
Gracious Lord, thank you for your astounding patience--especially when I am disobedient. In my human nature, I sometimes behave impatiently and try to take matters in my own hands. Help me to wait on you--to trust your timing and your perfect plan. In Jesus Name, Amen.