He Knows What Makes Us Tick

As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him 

for He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust 

(Psalm 103:13-14)

Have you ever known someone who was something of a mystery to you?  That after years of association, you still can’t quite figure them out or know how they will respond to certain things?  Interactions with persons of this nature, whether young or old, male or female, relative or co-worker, tend to make us uneasy lest we alienate them. Under such conditions, it is difficult to develop close relationships.

In any affiliation, from casual to intimate, the most essential element is trust. Without trust, it is uncomfortable to open up, exposing one’s true self.  The same is true in our relationship with God.  The degree to which we understand His true nature determines whether He remains a mystery – someone to avoid – or we recognize His love, grace, and understanding.

Based on our concept of what He expects from us, we may set guidelines for ourselves that are unrealistic.  When we fail to live up to our expectations, we condemn ourselves and assume God does, too. When we find ourselves at this juncture it is time for a reality check.

Spending time with the Bible and a good concordance produces a more accurate understanding of God’s nature and His view of humanity. We discover that though sin sets us at enmity with Him, He loves us so much that He provided a way of reconciliation.  Through the death of His only born-to-Him-Son, Jesus Christ, forgiveness was made available to all who accept Him as Savior and Lord.  It is not by our goodness that we come into a right relationship with Him, nor is it our goodness that keeps us there:

He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities 

(Psalm 103:10 NIV)

God, Who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 

even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ…

for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; 

it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast 

(Ephesians 2:4-5,8-9)

We may not always understand ourselves, but God does.  He knows the innermost workings of our bodies, minds, emotions, and the eternal part of us known as our spirit.  He knows how we function and why we sometimes malfunction; our strengths and weaknesses; what causes us become angry, frustrated, jealous, insecure, happy or sad, frustrated and empty or peaceful and fulfilled.   He loves us just as we are but helps us become better.

To ourselves we may remain an enigma but to God we are an open book.  He has already read the pages of our lives, so that while we sometimes disappoint and even surprise ourselves, none of our shortcomings catch Him unaware.  He remembers that we are human, and as such, are subject to such tendencies.  While He does not condone sin, He still loves the sinner and is willing and able to forgive when true heartfelt repentance is forthcoming:

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins 

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness 

(1 John 1:9)

In light of this promise, we are assured that His love and forgiveness do not depend on our goodness but on His; not on our faithfulness, but on His unchanging nature; not at our initiative but by the Holy Spirit Who lives in us and draws us into an ever deepening, more open relationship with Him.

Your love for me is constant, Lord, though sometimes I can’t feel it.
Touch the spot that troubles me and with Your power heal it.  
Thank You for Your constant love that draws me ever nearer,
that I may do the things You say, and not be just a hearer.
Thank You for Your changeless love no matter how I falter.
Help me consecrate my life, for it’s Your home and altar.