God's Thoughts

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference Psalm 92:5 Mark 13:31 Jeremiah 29:11 Isaiah 55:8 Psalm
139:17-18

God's Thoughts: Part 1

Read Psalm 139:17,18

A. W. Tozer used to say, "The only real world is the Bible world." Nothing
is more unsure than the world, for it is passing away. But the will and Word
of God will abide forever (see Mark 13:31). As we consider the character of
God's thoughts, we will want to do His will.

God's thoughts are personal (v. 17). They concern you and me. He makes the
individual and then plans for him. He knows all about us. Paradoxically, the
sovereignty of God is the basis for our freedom. If He were not on the
throne, this world would be run by chance. But the psalmist tells us that
life is not a gamble. God put your substance together and ordained your
genetic structure (vv. 13,14). We must use what He has given us for His
glory. And our obedience to His will reaches beyond this life, for our
future is wrapped up in God's plan for us (Jer. 29:11).

God's thoughts are precious (v. 17). Precious means "weighty, valuable." His
thoughts toward us are unique, tailor-made, and that makes them valuable.
When we accept God's plan for us and exercise believing faith, then He can
work out His perfect will in our lives. Remember, His thoughts are deep (Ps.
92:5); they are higher than ours (Isa. 55:8).

God's thoughts about you are more than mere "thoughts." They include His
purposes and His care. As you meditate on His thoughts, renew your
commitment to know and do His will for your life.

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference Acts 20:24 Genesis 15:5 Psalm 139:17-18

God's Thoughts: Part 2

Read Psalm 139:17,18

Yesterday, we learned that God's thoughts are personal and precious. They
are full of His purpose and care. Let's consider three additional
characteristics of God's thoughts.God' s thoughts are practical. Paul said,
"none of these things [tribulations] move me; nor do I count my life dear to
myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I
received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God"
(Acts 20:24). Paul was living to do one thing--finish his course. As we run
the race of life, following God's thoughts leads to fulfillment, courage and
the strength to continue.

God's thoughts are vast and inexhaustible (v. 17). How great is the "sum of
them." The Hebrew word for sum is plural. Thus, His thoughts just keep
growing. People who don't want to do the will of God live their lives in a
little bucket of water. But when we accept His will for our lives, we launch
out on an ocean of possibility. God said to Abraham, "You walk before Me and
do My will, and I am going to give you horizons like you've never seen
before" (see Gen. 15:5).

If you want to be a stagnant Christian, reject the will of God. You will not
grow, and you will miss what He has for you. He wants to do great things in
your life.God's thoughts are unfailing (v. 18). He works out His plans even
while we sleep. Adam went to sleep, and God gave him a wife. Abraham went to
sleep, and God worked out His covenant to him. God already has revealed
things about our daily living to us by His Spirit in the Scriptures.

Are you discouraged by events in your life or weary of the day's routine?
Think God's thoughts by reading His Word and obey His thoughts by doing His
will. He will work in your life. He will open horizons of blessing and help
you along your pilgrimage.

Dean Masters, owner of the Masters List