This Is the God Who Loves You Dear Friend, What do you believe God's face looks like when He looks at you? Really think about that, because the God of Scripture is not standing at a distance, tolerating you. He is not waiting for you to get everything right, and He is not reluctant to be with you. He is tender and compassionate. He is gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. This is the God David knew. In Psalm 103, David speaks directly to his own soul: “Bless the Lord, O...

Last week, we talked about noticing what we are steeping in and how whatever holds our attention slowly shapes us. Remembering God’s goodness helps us turn our attention back to who He is. But what happens when we are waiting and nothing seems to be changing? In Psalm 40, David writes, “I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.” The Hebrew word translated “waited patiently” is qavah. It means to wait with hope and expectation, and it carries the picture of being...

REMEMBER What Have You Been Steeping In? "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory..."2 Corinthians 3:18 Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to remember the painful things than the goodness of God? That question has been following me around for months. Not long ago, I was driving to Grand Rapids when an old conversation quietly began replaying in my mind. At first, it felt like I was simply...