God's Heart

It is easy for us to think of Christ as this majestic, powerful figure in the heavens, unfazed by what is going on in our lives.  But Hebrews4:15 paints a very different picture,

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Have you ever thought about the fact that Jesus sympathizes with you?  The King James Version says He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities.  God is not aloof, distant, and unconcerned, and He does not look at you through some clinical, cold eye.  He is moved; He is touched!

I want to show you a verse that, to me, is quite amazing.  It is Isaiah 63:9, and it is talking about God and His people.  It says,

In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them; in His love and in His pity He redeemed them; and He bore them and carried them all the days of old.

When you suffer, God suffers.  He is not untouched; He is not unmoved; He is not unsympathetic.

Then there is Jeremiah 31 where God says (speaking of Israel as one single person), I earnestly remember him still; therefore My heart yearns for him.  I will surely have mercy on him, says the LORD.

Finally, look at Psalm 145:8-9,

The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy.  The LORD is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.

God feels and sympathizes.  He is moved and touched and afflicted as you walk through the difficulties of life.  He understands.  And He yearns to give you tender mercy.

That is the compassionate and gracious heart of God!

~Bayless Conley~