Attributes of God

I am going through a bible study from The Daily Grace Co. and it is about the attributes of God. We were made to know God, and we were made to reflect His image to the world around us. But do we really know who God is? Do we know what He does? When I started this study, I had this preconceived idea that God was a disciplinary Father. Every time I did something I thought He was always discipling me to make me a better Child of His. I viewed Him as a drill Sargent. There is a time and place for this, but that's not ALWAYS God. 

I noticed that when I am out for a run, I like the God that pushes me to be better and stronger. But I also saw Him as such in my daily life. If I screwed up I was always looking for Him to forgive me but didn't believe that it was instant. I felt like I had to apologize all the time and ALL day long. That got to be taxing on me and most likely HIM, too! 

We study God's attributes to know Him! He wants to be in a relationship with us. In a relationship with my husband, family or friends I don't see them always discipling me, then why would God? Again, there is a time and place for this! My walk cannot progress if I do not grow in my knowledge of Him. "What if we stopped trying to make God just like us and started to see how He has called us to become more like Him?" My struggles are rooted in a wrong view of God! This was a huge revelation for me. I kept going in this cycle of life and begged God to help me pass the test that He kept throwing at me... but was it really that? No, I kept degrading myself because that's how I saw God towards me. I'd beat myself up to no end and then be so exhausted with myself that I'd cry out to Him asking for answers!

I pray that I would know God more today than yesterday! There has been a sweet presence that I've been able to experience since I've started this study. It is a compassion and love I have not felt and I've kept at a distance. How many of us put up walls due to life experiences? Yes, this lady does, too. I asked the Lord to come into my heart and clean me of lies that I had about Him. I repented for believing that all He did was discipline me and nothing more. Since then, something has shifted.

Scripture declares to us that God is not silent. He is a God who speaks. Isaiah 55:11 (NLT) "It is the same with My word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." Our view of God shapes our view of everything else. He is a God that calls His own from every tribe, tongue and nation (Revelation 5:9). His love is steadfast and sure (Lamentations 3:22-23). And He is faithful even when His children chase after the pleasures of this world, 2 Timothy 2:13.

I needed to hear the Lord say to me, "I am a God that is jealous. I draw near and long to dwell with you." (Exodus 29:45, Ezekiel 37:27). Who is God to you? Is He a God that never wants to have fun? This makes Him a God that isn't good. Is He a God that is always out to get everyone? This makes God look untrustworthy and suspect. Is He like a grandfather figure to you? He isn't bothered by our sin and would be pleased if we just tried our best to be nice. This is not the God I serve. 

I pray that you seek to be transformed by the intimate knowledge of our God. I pray that your heart beats for what His heart beats for. May the Lord reveal to you the lie that you have come in alignment with and repent and ask that He reveal the God that loves.

Joyful Home Welcomes You! :)