August 2020  by Beth S.

Considering The Character of God

Considering the character of God reveals a lot about ourselves and our walk with the Lord. A.W. Tozer said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” So what about God’s character makes us strong in our Christian walk, makes us love Him more, and honor Him more?

Well first, we need to know God’s character, we need to know who He is in order to trust Him. God comes alive to us through His Word. So it’s through the scriptures we learn about God’s character. Let’s break it down.

Knowing God’s Character

There are many attributes to God, amazing and constant evidence of the character of God. The list is inexhaustible and His character is tremendous. This will only scratch the surface. You may have some truths about His character that are more precious to you.

1. God is Faithful — Immutable, unchanging (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)
2. God is Omniscient — All knowing (Psalms 139:1-6)
3. God is Omnipotent — All powerful (Colossians 1:17)
4. God is Omnipresent — Always present (Jeremiah 23:24)
5. God is righteous — Always right in His character, conscience, conduct and His Word (Deuteronomy 32:4)
6. God is just (Psalms 89:14)
7. God is love — Loving, tender (1 John 4:7-12)
8. God is sovereign — Supreme and absolute ruling over us (Ephesians 1:11)
9. God is provident — Always taking care of us (Romans 8:28)
10. God is truth — Always correct, never wrong (John 14:6)

Considering God’s Character

Now consider and meditate on God’s character. Not just the things that He has done, but who He is. We have the privilege of knowing the Creator of the universe, God Himself, on a personal and intimate level. Think back on your life and how these attributes have been evident … and know that God was and is present as Him. Let that powerful truth soak into your soul and give you comfort, purpose and strength.

Consider Psalm 8:3: “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which you have ordained.” If just God’s fingers created the universe, how much more is He!

Claiming God’s Character

Now that you know His character and you have meditated on it, how is this important to you? Not only does it become your place of comfort and joy, but it becomes your guide during life’s trials. When you experience fear or confusion, doubt and trembling, knowing God’s character helps you to step back and regroup, identify the source of these feelings and how to approach them.

I remember counseling a family member who was struggling with things in their life. I told them, “Go back to God’s character. Is this consistent with His character?” They answered, “No.” Then you don’t listen to that … it’s the enemy. God will always be true to His character – He must be. You can rely on that and lean heavily into the comfort that God is who He says He is. This will never change. Malachi 3:6 says, “For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” What a promise – not only does God not change but promises we will not be consumed!

I imagine that holding onto God’s character is like my walking stick through life …clinging to His nature. Reflect and rejoice, basking in the sweet glow of His perfect love. And when you are faced with challenges and temptations, ask yourself, “Is this consistent with the character of God?” Know it … consider it … and claim it. Then lift your face to the heavens, stretch out your arms and feel the warmth of God’s immense presence on your face.

“I praise the God of grace; I trust His truth and might; He calls me His, I call Him mine, My God, my joy, my light.”  -Horatius Bonar, 1861