A Clay Jar

Encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thess. 2:12 NIV)

God's Ways Are Not Our Ways

Isaiah 55:8-9

Published on:

Last Updated on:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

As an intelligent and thoughtful human, I like to think that I understand the world around me. While I realize there are whole fields of knowledge that lie outside my current grasp, I am confident that given enough effort I could gain an understanding of them. And it is tempting to apply that same thought to God. While I don’t currently understand all that he is doing, if I work at it hard enough I should be able to.

But this reminder in Isaiah is a good reality check. God is not like me in any appreciable way. Yes, I am made in his image. But the image of me on my driver’s license is only like me in a superficial way. And the same holds true for me as God’s image-bearer.

And it is important that I recognize that. I cannot expect to understand why he does much of what he does. No matter how intelligent or educated I am, I am still finite. And unable to grasp the infinite. God has a purpose in his creation that I only see dimly. And he is steadily moving his creation toward that ultimate purpose.

It is sometimes tempting to want to correct what God is doing, or allowing. To give him advice. As if I know better than he does. But how much better to simply trust him to do what he knows is best. Even when it seems messed up to me.

Additional Related Posts

If you have found value in this post, please consider sharing it with your friends.

Subscribe to A Clay Jar

If you have found value in this post, please consider subscribing to A Clay Jar so that you don't miss any other posts. 

Ed Jarrett

Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

2 thoughts on “God’s Ways Are Not Our Ways – Isaiah 55:8-9”

  1. Hey, Ed. I never do this on blogs or feeds, but I felt compelled to encourage you. I’ve been working through a lot of ego death in my intellect these last couple of years. This was an affirmation for me to keep my soul nourished through the passions of my intellect rather than attempting to shape it into submission with my certainties. It’s a delicate dance we take on in our faith, but it’s the most beautiful thing in the cosmos to chase the Holy Spirit out into wilderness. May Christ continue to be your guide as you meditate on His Word.

    Be Blessed!

    Reply

Leave a Comment