Listen:
“But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 86:15)
Reflect:
“What comes to our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” AW Tozer (The Knowledge of the Holy)
I first read Tozer’s book The Knowledge of the Holy over 25 years ago, and the idea presented in this quote has stuck with me ever since. The passage in Deuteronomy 34 where God reveals himself to Moses on Mount Sinai is one of my favorites in seeking to know God as He truly is. In Psalm 86:15, David comes back to part of this passage, reminding himself of God’s mercy, grace, abounding steadfast love and faithfulness.
David is known as the one God called “a man after His own heart.” I would love to be known as a woman after God’s own heart (wouldn’t we all?) If I desire this, just like David, I need ongoing reminders of who God is, what He’s like. Psalm 86:15 is far from a complete description of God’s character, but it touches on some of the essentials.
And it gets even better! As I pursue better knowing God, letting these truths sink into the depths of my being, not only do I know God, I am also transformed more and more into the image of Christ – God made flesh, the image of the invisible God. How amazing is that! As water reflects it’s surroundings, we get to be a reflection of God to the world around us! I fall so short in living out mercy, grace, steadfast love and faithfulness, but I both hope and trust that as I grow in knowing God, He is lovingly & faithfully transforming me to better reflect His mercy grace, steadfast love and faithfulness.
Questions to Ponder:
- When you think of God, what are the first images or words that come to mind?
- How do you see God transforming you as you better know Him? Is there a specific aspect of His character that you desire to better reflect in this season of life?
Prayer of Response:
O Lord, you are a God merciful and gracious, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Thank you for revealing yourself to Moses, to David, and to me. Fill me with a thirst to better know you as you truly are. Amen
—Submitted by Theresa Anderson
Theresa Anderson lives near Grenoble, France with her husband and 2 teenage sons. She got roped into Lifesprings shortly after arriving in France in 2006, and has been caught ever since, especially the School of Ministry where she leads the team overseeing the schools. She’s also involved in local Lifesprings activities in France and is part of the Lifesprings Executive Team. Theresa is passionate about creating spaces where people can learn and grow through their experiences.