God's attributes Archives - Hope Reflected

Thursday

11

January 2024

“In the multitude of my thoughts”

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

“In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.” (Psalm 94:19)

Every day, our thoughts are more than we can count, and how many of them are to our benefit instead of burdening us down?

Depending on the day, of course, your answer may vary.

What is common however, is that we all have a multitude of thoughts, whether for good or bad.

Albert Barnes wrote of our thoughts, “How many are vain and frivolous; how many are skeptical; how many are polluted and polluting!” Sometimes the very thoughts we try to mute are the very ones we mull around the most.

When your mind is racing

As if it weren’t hard enough to keep our thoughts under control on a good day, how much more difficult does this become when we’re walking through trying times! To keep our focus anywhere other than our problems requires a great deal of perseverance.

Our thoughts are plenty and have a tendency to wander. David described this as “the multitude of my thoughts,” (Psalm 94:19). The word “multitude” here is the same word used to describe the great multitudes of people that followed Jesus in the Gospels, and describes an abundance, a great number, or a large crowd.

David wrote Psalm 94 during a time of intense persecution against his people. He wrote these words of comfort not just for himself, but for those who were experiencing tribulation alongside him. He encouraged his people to keep their focus on God. When he was experiencing all of these anxious and perplexing thoughts, David said of God that, “thy comforts delight my soul.” (Psalm 94:19).

What are God’s comforts?

So, what are God’s comforts and how can we allow His comforts to delight our souls when we are downtrodden with the multitude of our thoughts?

Spurgeon said in his sermon “Comforted and Comforting” that “God is the God of all comfort; — not merely of some comfort, but of all comfort. If you need every kind of comfort that was ever given to men, God has it in reserve, and he will give it to you. If there are any comforts to be found by God’s people in sickness, in prison, in want, in depression, the God of all comfort will deal them out to you according as you have need of them.”

“the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Whatever our thoughts may be centred around — health, food for the table, financial uncertainties, recession, depression, unrest in the world — God is, as Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort.”

Whatever the condition, God has the comfort. Reassurance for anxiety; hope for depression; faith for doubts; benevolence for selfishness.

In the multitude of our thoughts, we must allow Him room to work.

As we cannot get warm without making an effort to do so by putting on more clothes, nestling under a blanket, or standing by a fire, so we cannot be comforted if we do not seek out the very One which will provide us comfort.

Originally published as “’In the multitude of my thoughts’.” Independent Plus. September 1, 2022: 5. Print. Web.

Friday

25

August 2023

Exceeding Abundantly

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

When Mary and Martha’s brother Lazarus became sick, Mary and Martha expected Jesus to intervene.

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us..." (Ephesians 3:20) | Read more on hopereflected.com

“Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.” (John 11:3).

Mary and Martha asked Jesus to come to them. When we pray, we ought to pray specifically and expectantly. This kind of expectation in prayer can only come through relationship with Christ. Mary and Martha both had great reverence for Jesus, and a close relationship with Him. They wanted to share with him about their brother being sick and as a result they eagerly sent for Jesus to come to them. Because of their closeness to Christ, because they knew He cared for them, Mary and Martha longed to cast their cares on Him. They expected Him to move.

Thank God, His logic is much different than ours.

Like us, Mary and Martha were human, and therefore didn’t have a complete understanding of God’s timetable. They tried to expedite Jesus coming to them by sending news of their sick brother, thinking that Jesus would come and heal him, but they didn’t understand that Jesus had a greater plan than healing their brother (v. 4). Thank God, His logic is much different than ours. While our understanding is finite; His is infinite. His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). While Mary and Martha thought Jesus would heal their brother, He had greater plans of raising their brother from the dead. Jesus purposefully delayed His arrival, Mary and Martha had no choice but to wait. While we’re waiting, God is working.

When we don’t know how to pray

When word came that Jesus was near, we read how Mary and Martha expressed themselves. “Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.” (v. 20). Martha came to meet Jesus; she was ready again to earnestly enquire of Him. Mary, on the other hand, stayed in the house (probably because she was so consumed with grief). Martha had a lot to say, Mary didn’t, and Jesus was moved by both (v. 33). Even when we don’t know how to pray, and even when we cannot find the words, God hears our cries, and He knows every tear (Psalm 56:8). Mary and Martha both showed evidence of their faith in Christ, albeit in different ways. They both believed in Christ’s power.

“Even our trials are designed to bring glory to God.”
Hope Reflected

Mary and Martha were looking for Lazarus to be healed, and Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. God always does exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20), even in a literal life or death situation like that of Lazarus! As Matthew Henry wrote, “The afflictions of the saints are designed for the glory of God, that he may have opportunity of showing them favour; for the sweetest mercies, and the most effecting, are those which are occasioned by trouble.” What an encouragement to know that even our trials are designed to bring glory to God!

Originally published as “Exceeding abundantly.” Independent Plus. June 16, 2022: 5. Print. Web.

Thursday

7

September 2017

Hope Reflected | Encouragement | Greater is He

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement

1 John 4:4 says, “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” This verse is talking about how as Christians, as those who have accepted Jesus as our personal saviour, we have someone greater in us than anyone in this world. At times it can be hard to fathom, especially when we look around and see political unrest, hurricanes, and hurting hearts. It is true, however. Our God is greater than all of that. He is greater than any circumstance. His attributes are so many we can’t even begin to number them.

Who is the Lord? The Bible tells us so much about our Lord (these verses don’t even begin to cover it). Here are 20 attributes of God that encourage me, and verses to go along with them. These are just 20 of God’s attributes; the Bible is filled with many more!

God is our ROCK.
God is our STRENGTH.
God is our FORTRESS.
God is our DELIVERER.
God is our GOD.
God is TRUSTWORTHY.
God is our SHIELD.
God is the HORN OF OUR SALVATION.
God is our STRONGHOLD.
- “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2)
God is WORTHY TO BE PRAISED.
- “I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.” (Psalm 18:3)
God is NEAR YOU.
- “The LORD is near all who call out to Him.” (Psalm 145:18)
God is our KING.
- “You are my King.” (Psalm 44:4)
God is our RESTORATION.
- “He restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:3)
God is our SHEPHERD.
- “The LORD is my shepherd.” (Psalm 23:1)
God is our HIDING PLACE.
- “You are my hiding place; you shall preserve me from trouble.” (Psalm 32:7)
God is our HEALER.
- “LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.” (Psalm 30:2)
God is our REST.
- “Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
God is our PEACE.
- “For He Himself is our peace…” (Ephesians 2:14)
God is our HOPE.
- “For You are my hope, O Lord GOD; you are my trust from my youth.” (Psalm 71:5)
God is our COUNSELOR.
- “I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel.” (Psalm 16:7)

The next time you feel like you’re barely hanging on, call on God and His incredible attributes. The above are just 20 of God’s attributes. Take the time to get into God’s Word; His attributes and His promises will encourage and reassure you, wherever you are!

“Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

Friday

23

September 2016

Hope Reflected: Attributes of God, Part 2

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

In my last column, I shared three of God’s attributes that have impacted my life: God is faithful, God is love, God is merciful. This week, I’d like to share three other attributes of God that are just as amazing and encouraging.

William Ames once said that, “The attributes of God tell us What He is and Who He is.” This seems like a simple truth, however sometimes we really need to be reminded of what an amazing God He truly is, to really dig in and appreciate all of His wonderful characteristics. Remembering God’s attributes is an excellent way to alleviate anxiety and create peace and rest for our hearts.

God is unchanging. God is unchanging; He is immutable. Think about it. From before the beginning of the world all the way through history to today, God hasn’t changed. He is steadfast, He is sure. And we have 24/7 access to Him! Malachi 3:6 says, “For I am the LORD, I change not;”. Imagine having a confidant or someone you could rely on, no matter what, and no matter how many times you screw up. We have that in God! You can find confidence and peace in knowing that there is One Who never changes. James 1:17 tells us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” We can rely on God, all the time.

God is all-knowing. That’s right: God is omniscient. Have you ever wished that you knew why you were going through something, or why something didn’t work out how you thought it should? How sometimes your best laid plans don’t pan out, and you just can’t figure it out? We serve a God who’s already got your life completely figured out. God knows everything – from the past, the present, and your future – and He’s got a great plan. David tells us in Paslm 147:5, “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.” We are also told in Isaiah 46:9-10 to “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.”

God is gracious. Read: God gives us what we don’t deserve. He loves to shower His people with goodness and gifts that are exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think. Ephesians 2:8 lays it out like this: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,”. There is nothing we can do to earn our salvation; eternal security is a gift from God. It’s not something we can obtain in and of ourselves; it only comes as a gift from God. That’s what I don’t understand about people who refuse to accept God’s grace. It’s like turning down a free gift, the greatest gift! In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul reminds us of God’s promise, “’My grace is sufficient for thee:’”

There are so many attributes of God that serve as evidence of His greatness, and also that can help us achieve true peace and contentment. Arthur W. Pink, in his book The Attributes of God, said it like this: “Here then is a sure resting-place for the heart. Our lives are neither the product of blind fate nor the result of capricious chance, but every detail of them was ordained from all eternity, and is now ordered by the living and reigning God. Not a hair of our heads can be touched without His permission.”

For wherever you are right now, there is a promise from God and one of His attributes to help you through! All you have to do is trust in Him.

Originally published as “Attributes of God, Part 2.” Minto Express. August 10, 2016: 5: Print.

Monday

19

September 2016

Encouragement: Attributes of God – Deuteronomy 32:4

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement

“He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.” Deuteronomy 32:4

God has so many incredible attributes; when I feel discouraged, it often helps to a. give thanks, and b. consider the many attributes of God that we so often take for granted.

If you’re looking for encouragement today, consider this: God, the Creator of the entire Universe, created you, and He loves you! If you will seek Him, He will hear you and He longs to have a relationship with you.

Think about it: The Creator of the entire Universe wants to know you! If you’re looking for reasons to get to know Him, consider these 5 amazing attributes of God:

God is the Rock. Not just a rock. THE Rock. You can lean on Him whenever, wherever, and about whatever. We serve an awesome God who wants to have a relationship with us. We can confide anything to Him; He loves us!
His work is perfect. Perfect. Not good. Not great. Perfect. In Hebrews 12:2, we are told that God is the author and finisher of our faith. His way is perfect, and His work is perfect. Choose the path that He has for you!
All His ways are justice. ALL. Not some. Not most. ALL. God is just, and God is truth. So many times in life we think circumstances or things aren’t fair, or we hear things said about us or people make assumptions about us that aren’t true. We serve a God who’s ways, ALL His ways, are justice. And He is truth. In Revelation 1:8 we learn that God is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the One Who is, Who always was, and Who is still to come.
God is Righteous. By definition, He is morally right or justifiable; He is virtuous. God doesn’t change; He’s always been righteous, and always will be.
God is Upright. Strictly honourable or honest. Imagine knowing someone Who doesn’t — who can’t — lie; that’s God! If you’re looking for someone Who will always be honest with you, Who will never tell lies, Who places value on you, then look no further than our Heavenly Father. Psalm 23:1 tells us that God is our Shepherd; Psalm 121:3 reminds us that God will not allow our feet to slip; that He who keeps us will not slumber.

“He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.” Deuteronomy 32:4

Friday

2

September 2016

Hope Reflected: Attributes of God, Part 1

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

A.W. Tozer once said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing to us.” While I’ve yet to read all of Tozer’s Knowledge of the Holy, that quote really resonated with me. It’s true; how we think about God determines our measure of worship. This past Sunday at church, the speaker was talking about different attributes of God that we should recognize and acknowledge in our lives that will help to alleviate anxiety and create a more whole mindset in us. The way we think about God influences the way we go through life. Too often we get caught up in the day-to-day, worrying about tomorrow or our circumstances or other things here on Earth, when the reality is that we were put here on Earth to influence others for eternity.

There are several attributes of God found throughout scripture, however today I’d like to focus on three that have truly impacted my life:

God is faithful. Psalm 86:5 tells us, “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” So many times throughout the Bible, we are shown examples of God’s faithfulness to those who trust in Him. A very realistic way to recall God’s faithfulness is to keep a journal of prayer requests and answers. Wes and I recently went through the first prayer list we ever made together, and it is incredible just how many of our prayers were answered specifically, and not just answered, answered exceedingly abundantly above all that we could have asked or thought. God is faithful! All we have to do is trust Him and commit our way to Him! “It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
God is love. Not just loving, God is love. And I think we’d all agree that in this world in which we live, each of us could use more love. John wrote in his epistle of 1 John 4:8, “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” We read a deeper definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13. Frequently referenced at weddings, the “love chapter” of the Bible was written by the apostle Paul. [For a fascinating history of the books of Corinthians and when Paul wrote them, check out Matthew Henry’s Commentary.] The King James Version of 1 Corinthians 13 refers to ‘love’ as ‘charity’. It was originally translated from the Greek word, αγαπη (agapē), or in Latin, “caritas”, which means ‘Christian love’. We are told in 1 Corinthians 13 that love, or charity, never fails. That’s God. He will not and cannot fail. When we trust in Him, that’s a promise. We are also reminded in Galatians 5:22 that love is one of the fruits of the Spirit; if we love God, we will live in love, joy, peace, gentleness, faith, etc.
God is merciful. This attribute in particular is a great reminder to me. God loves me and has forgiven me, and sent His Son to die on the cross for my sins. I haven’t got what I deserve because I serve a risen Lord who, among other awesome attributes, is merciful. Psalm 103:8 says, “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” Notice anything in particular about that verse? God’s mercy is so strong that it merits two mentions. Often confused with grace, mercy pardons sin (whereas grace grants favour). God is plenteous in mercy; He has mercy enough to cleanse the sins of the world, should we choose to trust Him. We are promised in Isaiah 55:7 that if we forsake our sinful ways, and return to the LORD, “…he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” I love this quote from Arthur W. Pink: “He foresaw my every fall, my every sin, my every backsliding; yet, nevertheless, fixed His heart upon me.”

These are merely three of God’s amazing attributes. God’s demonstration of His faithfulness, love, and mercy in my life have molded me into who I am, and without God’s faithfulness, love, and mercy, I can’t imagine where I might be today. God’s attributes are parts of His character that help us to really understand Who He is. The truth is, we’ll never understand them all, but we can observe what the Bible tells us about Who God is, and believe it, and be encouraged.

God’s attributes Archive

11

“In the multitude of my thoughts”

“In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.” (Psalm 94:19)

When your mind is racing

What are God’s comforts?

Originally published as “’In the multitude of my thoughts’.” Independent Plus. September 1, 2022: 5. Print. Web.

25

Exceeding Abundantly

When Mary and Martha’s brother Lazarus became sick, Mary and Martha expected Jesus to intervene.

Thank God, His logic is much different than ours.

When we don’t know how to pray

Originally published as “Exceeding abundantly.” Independent Plus. June 16, 2022: 5. Print. Web.

7

Hope Reflected | Encouragement | Greater is He

23

Hope Reflected: Attributes of God, Part 2

Originally published as “Attributes of God, Part 2.” Minto Express. August 10, 2016: 5: Print.

19

Encouragement: Attributes of God – Deuteronomy 32:4

2

Hope Reflected: Attributes of God, Part 1

Originally published as “Attributes of God, Part 1.” Minto Express. July 27, 2016: 5. Print.

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