How Should We See God?

If I were to mention a political figure, a Hollywood personality, or sports icon, there would be differences of opinions. Why? We have different values and ways to process these people. They might stand for different priorities, they may not believe as we do or play on a rival team. We tend to judge people through our own personal belief system as to whether they are valuable to us or a traitor (in some cases). It seems like everything we come across either has value or gets in the way. I think we get so used to judging things through our eyes that we may put the same standard on God. We may not say it, but we seem to decide who we think God should be and what He should do for us rather than to rightly understand who God is and adjust our life to Him. We might put value on God if we think that He has something to offer... a way that He will make our life better or help us in our time of need. The real question is, how should we see God? Is He our friend to bring us comfort and support us? He is a friend of sinners, but that is directly connected to whether I recognize I am a sinner in need of His grace and healing. Is He there to help me when I get in a jam or am facing great obstacles in life? There is nothing in God’s word that points to Jesus as a Genie that is there to meet our every wish and command. Is He the One who will heal those that are sick and hurting? He is the great Physician, but unlike a doctor, we don’t make appointments, but rather meet Him in prayer. Nothing is impossible for Him to heal, but He determines what is best. Is He the One who gives me the answers I need to succeed in life? He does know everything and desires to give wisdom to all who call out to Him, but he isn’t our cheat sheet in life. God is God. He rules over all things. He created us and desires for us to walk with Him and grow in intimacy through faith. The Bible says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. That means recognizing that He is has authority over me and all things and that I have been called to serve Him, not be served. We pray with confidence knowing He can do all things, but acknowledge “not my will but Yours be done.” He is my hope, my life, my salvation, my Savior, my joy, and my all in all. Father, You are the King of Glory and we are sinners in need of rescue. Help us to know the true You and seek Your face. Amen