“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Phil 4:4 NIV
When I was growing up, we used to say this phrase, “true dat!” It was simply an expression that something was not a lie, a phrase of assent and agreement. In our world, it can be hard to decipher what is real or true. Most leaders are doing their best to make decisions that are in the best interest for those they are responsible for, other leaders lack courage or prioritize selfish ambition above the well-being of others.
The good news is we serve a God who makes it very clear who He is. No matter what is going on in our personal lives, the public sphere, or globally, true dat always applies when we think of his characteristics!
God Is Faithful – He Is Infinitely, Unchangingly True (2 Timothy 2:13):“If we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.”
God Is Good – He Is Infinitely, Unchangingly Kind and Full of Good Will (Psalm 34:8):“O, taste and see that the Lord is good”
God Is Gracious – God Is Infinitely Inclined to Spare the Guilty (Psalm 145:8):"The LORD is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness."
God Is Just – He Is Infinitely, Unchangeably Right and Perfect in All He Does (Deuteronomy 32:4):"The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.”
God Is Loving – God Infinitely, Unchangingly Loves Us (1 John 4:7-8):“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
God Is Merciful – He is Infinitely, Unchangeably Compassionate and Kind (Romans 9:15-16):“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy."
God is Omnipotent – He Is All Powerful (Job 11:7-11): “Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea. If he comes along and confines you in prison and convenes a court, who can oppose him? Surely he recognizes deceivers; and when he sees evil, does he not take note?”
God Is Omnipresent – He Is Always Everywhere (Jeremiah 23:23-24)“‘Am I a God at hand,’ declares the Lord, ‘and not a God afar off? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him?’ declares the Lord. ‘Do I not fill heaven and earth?’ declares the Lord.”
God Is Omniscient – He Is All-Knowing (Isaiah 46:9-10):“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. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.”
God Is Wise – He Is Full of Perfect, Unchanging Wisdom (Romans 11:33):“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!”
Take a moment to think about God and who He says He is if you find yourself overwhelmed with the day-to-day. Feel free to exclaim “true dat” as an expression of agreement and praise as you reflect on the nature and character of God.
Reflection
What do I experience when I focus on God and His traits? How can I ensure that I am more tuned into Him than the current events of life? What would it take to switch my focus?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for all that You are. Forgive me for focusing more on the world than You. Grant me the ability to prioritize my thoughts on You. Thank You for leading me and guiding me through each day. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Source: 15 Attributes of God:What they mean and why they matter compiled and edited by BST an Crosswalk Staff
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