A major part of any relationship is appreciating the one you love. When you do, you just want to talk about the one you love to anyone who will listen.

To that end I just want to take time to talk about God to anyone who will listen. He has been so good to us all whether we realize it or not.

Today, I am thinking about (and appreciating) the mercy of God. For he was thinking about me while I was yet stinking in my sinful ways. I did not deserve his goodness, but he considered the plans he has for me more than the reality of where I am “right now.”

God is rich (plentiful; abundant) in mercy. There is no danger of him running out.

Mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.

God could have, at any time, punished us for the wrong we are guilty of. Instead he chose to extend his mercy toward us. Yes, I truly appreciate the mercy of God!

Full of Mercy:

Ephesians 2:4-5 “4. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”

Today, I am also thinking about the patience and long suffering of God. There are times when we feel like we are on a hamster wheel – just running in circles. We make the same mistakes, make the same choices, over and over again. We get the same results and wonder if things will ever get better.

God could have turned his back on us, but he did not. Instead, he waits patiently for us. He orders our steps, and takes corrective actions to bring us back in line. Because we are human, and a little hard headed, it takes time for the “light bulb” to come on for us. The light bulb that lights the way to a new path with smarter decisions. Causing a change in our life.

This light bulb finally came on for me. Allowing me to think better, to talk better, and to have a closer (different – more intimate) relationship with God.

It took time – a lot of time. To get here, I had to bump my head a lot. But through it all God was patient with me. He showed me his patience and long suffering over and over again. I sincerely appreciate that!

Patient:

2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Long suffering:

Exodus 34:6 “And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,”

Romans 5:3-5 “3. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4. And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5. And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

Today, I also am also thinking about God’s sovereignty. By definition, sovereign is possessing supreme or ultimate power. God can do what he wants to, when he wants to for he is God.

I appreciate this attribute because I am a planner. I set a goal, then devise a plan to achieve it, the I try to execute the plan. This makes sense, however, you have to allow space for changes in the plan. Why? Because God is sovereign.

Many times our plan does not line up with God’s plan for us. With this conflict, God’s plan will always prevail, and our plan will take the back seat. We have to be willing to let God be God in our lives. This means not always having things our way – and being okay with it.

I appreciate God for truly being in control!

Sovereign:

Psalms 115:3 “But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.”

Proverbs16:9 “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.”

Proverbs 19:21 “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.”

God is all of this and so much more. He truly is EVERYTHING!

When we do not actively pursue a relationship with him, we short change ourselves. In our daily struggle to achieve, accomplish and obtain, we tend to lose focus of God.

But God is faithful. He exercises his mercy, Long suffering, and patience toward us continually. He wants us to understand he is a sovereign God. He does what he pleases- it is always to work his purpose.

What do we do when what we want is not the same as what God wants for us? Hopefully we will yield to God’s will, but realistically the best thing we can do in this case is to spend time with God in personal devotion time (praise and true worship).

Why? Because it is impossible to come into his presence and not be changed. Just look at Moses. He went in with a open heart, but came out a servant of God. Let God do the work. You just position yourself at his feet.

God is full of mercy – he is working for us even when we don’t deserve it.

God is long suffering – he does not give up on us, or turn his back on us,

God is patient – he will order our steps a taking us on the path that leads back to him.

God is sovereign – he does what he pleases for his own purpose.

God shows us his goodness because his ultimate goal is the saving of our souls.