1798) For better or for worse, our image of God comes from the exposure we’ve had to him throughout our lives. Many times, this image forms from watching the actions and hearing the words of those who claim to be God’s children.

Because people cannot adequately mirror who God is, we must go to his word to discover this.

Isaiah 30:18 reveals something about God that is powerful. This verse tells us what God longs for. He longs to be gracious to us. His deepest desire is to be merciful to us.

In the words of this verse, my image of who God is shifts. I have had the idea that God is the great rule umpire; he sits and watches if we keep his rules or not. This image is not the way the God of the Bible is.

Does God want us to keep his rules? Yes, because he knows if we do, our lives will run smoother, but he also knows the purpose of his rules is to show us we can’t measure up. Because of this, God has the opportunity to be merciful and gracious. An opportunity to love us.

Sometimes it’s important to take the time to evaluate if our image of God is based on fallible people or on God’s word.