“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor 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 higher than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9 AMP
Grace Perspective:
Thoughts…purposes…ways…God’s are not like ours. We are influenced by earthly things; He is not. Though we are made in His image and can grasp some of how He thinks, He alone knows the whole purpose of how the story of mankind will unfold from the beginning to the end.
However, God gives us many of His thoughts and ways through Scripture, which are His revealed truths. We aren’t left alone to figure out His thoughts on how to have a relationship with Him. When we seek Him through His Word, we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). God invites us to know Him intimately and to sincerely desire a relationship with Him, so that His thoughts and ways, as shared in Scripture, become ingrained in our hearts and minds, deepening our faith.
A Touch of Grace:
What influences your thoughts?
How can you humbly begin to seek God’s thoughts and ways?
Grace Application:
It may not be a revelation to you that God’s thoughts and ways are unlike ours, but how often do we think about this concept? We live in a time when “influencers” try to persuade us that they know the best way to live. You can go onto social media sites and find thousands of differing thoughts and ways about pretty much anything. I don’t recommend this, as it can lead us to places we don’t want to end up or give us advice that may harm us.
Though we can’t know the fullness of God’s thoughts and plans because His ways are far above our own and, frankly, we couldn’t handle them, trusting in His sovereignty and goodness can bring peace during trials. When we seek the Lord with a humble heart, desiring His ways over our own, He will lead us into a closer relationship with Him. As we draw close to Him, He will draw close to us. (James 4:8) Growing in our knowledge of God’s character and learning of His goodness, patience, steadfast love, mercy, and grace will help us trust His ways and think less of our own, especially in challenging times.
In His Grace,
Dawn
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I come to You in the precious name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, seeking to know more of Your thoughts. Though I often don’t understand Your ways, help me to trust You more fully so that I am at peace with Your plans. Holy Spirit, guard my thoughts so that the world does not influence me, but keep my mind fixed on the truth of God’s word. Amen
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please seek God so that your doubts are erased. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**