God is the Divine Goodness. He is the infinite and eternal Being whose ways are purely spiritual. He is the Moral Ruler of the universe. His manner of doing any thing is absolutely complete in moral excellence. The promises of the Lord are absolute, accurate, and binding assurances which He has given in His Word for our benefit. God's words are as pure as silver refined in the fire seven times (Psalm 12:6). Such assurance resting on the perfect justice, power, benevolence and immutable veracity of God, cannot fail of performance. Our precious Lord does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17). He is a constant defensive armor that we can rely on when everything else around us seems to have crumbled. He is our safe retreat and comfort.
It is so good to know that the Lord's work is perfect, because we are His work (Ephesians 2:10), His people, the sheep of His pasture (Psalm 100:3). He does not look at us the way we were or are, but for who He desires to make us. When we have been made complete and are with Him, we will be perfect (Philippines 1:6). This is why He can so unconditionally love us, because He sees the finished product. He will never cease to look at us this way. ---- "I am the Lord, and I do not change." Malachi 3:6a
"The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance... " (2 Peter 3:9). His patience to work in us and grow us is incredible. No, this change may not come over night, because He wants to take the time to refine us and make us as pure gold. He will patiently wait for us to turn to Him, to repent, and to desire to obey Him. This process of refinement can be painful, but we in turn, must learn to be patient and allow His good work to be fully completed in us. --- The Lord is merciful and gracious; He is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does He deal with us as we deserve. Psalm 103:8-10
He loves us so much that He doesn't deal with us as we deserve. He sent Christ to take on our sins and to be bruised and beaten for us. No matter what we have done, He loves us. He wants us to feel that accepting love that only He can give. He also wants us to allow ourselves to be loved by others. So many things in life can tear away at us making us feel unworthy of love. At that point it is easy to put the walls up, to not let anyone close enough because we have been hurt. But, what if Christ, who was greatly hurt, put up those walls with us? Yet, He doesn't and therefore is the ultimate example of love. ---- Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 106:1
Through this great love of His, we are also given mercy. Yes, we serve a merciful God who holds back His anger and frees us from the prison of sin we may be in. Through His mercy we are rescued and taken under His wings to feel the everlasting peace and joy that only He can give. No matter what we do He will never abandon us. So many people in our lives have left our side because they could not handle what we may be going through. But He will never leave us or destroy us. ---- For the Lord your God is merciful - He will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the solemn covenant He made with your ancestors. Deuteronomy 4:3. The Lord is so good and kind, so ready to forgive; so full of mercy for all who ask His aid (Psalm 86:5).
What hope, peace, and joy there is in knowing that God will never change and His promises remain true forever. He is truly perfection and our only real protection in the battles we will face daily. He is our rock and our strength. A mighty tower that we can run into. Praise Him for His gracious unending love!
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead..." (1 Peter 1:3)
Comments