Joy: 37-Day Devotionalنموونە

We live in a world of information and words, ideas, opinions, facts, false news—lies are constantly before us. We are told what to food to eat, what medicines to take, how to raise our kids, what cars to drive, and who God is.

Many people say, “My god is a god of love. I know my god would never send anyone to hell. God would never condemn anyone for a mistake.”

Who is right? Who is God? What should we believe?

As believers, we should define God based only on His Word. What does God’s Word say about Him?

In Exodus, Moses spends a lot of time alone with God, and toward the end of the book and the end of their time on the Mountain of God, Moses asks God for something most humans would not have the nerve to request: he asks to see God’s glory. God in His omniscience knows this is too much for any human to look directly upon. So, He passes by and covers Moses with His own hand, then removes His hand and allows Moses to see the back of His glory. Following this interaction, God reaffirms the covenant and then defines Himself. 

As we read through the Word, do we not see this? Do we not see a God slow to anger? Think of the Israelites and the gods they chased after, David’s lust and murder, or even Peter’s denying Jesus three times. Yet God is slow to anger. He doesn’t lash out at their sin, and when He does punish His people, punishment is never the final word; it’s always grace! Throughout the Word, God hears the cries of His people and intercedes. Ultimately, our slow to anger, gracious God sent His Son to live the perfect life and take the payment for our sins so that we who believe have eternal life: the definitive act of grace and steadfast love!

Father, help us to see you for who you really are. Not an idol or caricature created for our own selfish purposes. Remind us to seek You and Your character in the Word and from your Word we will know you.