“O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!”
The following quote, penned by Joyce Meyer, excited me. What an important life pursuit! You know, if you have read much of my writings, that my greatest desire is to KNOW GOD (Philippians 3:8-11, AMPC). And you know that I believe watching for the fruit of God’s character in those professing Him is the proof of our words. But this takes me deeper still.
Joyce writes, “It’s important that we know God’s character. Why? It gives us discernment. If we don’t know the character of God, how can we ever know who is from God and who is not from God? Here are three character traits of God that help me stay in tune with who He is and what He is doing:
“1. Justice: God is a God of justice. That word justice is so awesome because it means that He will always make anything that’s wrong right. This helps me to not worry when I am mistreated because I know God will bring justice. It’s who He is.
“2. Goodness: God is good, this fact never changes. And He’s good all the time, not just once in a while or when things go your way. Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him” (NIV). When things are bad, I find great encouragement in God’s goodness.
“3. Holiness: God is holy and righteous, and He desires to make us holy, pure and clean, free from the defilements of sin. To be honest, it has helped me in my walk with God to realize that whatever He does is right, whether I like it or not. This helps me to stay in sync with Him.” (End quote)
To view our circumstances through the knowledge of and the trust we have in all we know of God’s character is vital to our ability to find that peace that passes understanding, which is vital to our ability to trust Him and enter His Rest, where wisdom and direction for life resides. Now, that’s not new thought to me. But somehow the way she states it takes me to a place of realizing the need of a more deliberate effort in accomplishing this practice.
So here’s the deal: read Joyce’s insights. Think about the character of God you rely on most. Tell us about your top go to in God’s character, when seeking to understand your situation and receive His wisdom. What is there about The Father in that trait that helps your understanding and emotional response? Now, if you have looked at the current crisis in your life, how does this truth about God help you? Does it change you viewpoint and focus? Does it change your emotional state? Is there new instruction for the path ahead in this truth you believe of our God? Feel free to share here and encourage us, but do share somewhere with someone, and be God’s lifter of heads.
Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life – a Daily Devotional: Day 40 • Devotional
Darlene's Ponderings 