Remembering His Character

Scripture

And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.

Exodus 34:6 · · ESV

When you think about God, what comes to mind first? Is He patient or mostly punishing? Is He kind or keeping score? The way we answer that question shapes whether we run toward Him or pull away. Israel had just failed in a big way. Moses descended Mt. Sinai to find the people worshipping a golden calf. The ink was not even dry on the commandments, and they had already turned away. In anger, Moses broke the tablets. But God called him back up the mountain again.

When Moses arrives, God does not start their conversation with accusations or judgement.

He starts with ‘the LORD, the LORD God’, as if to say “before you assume who I am, let Me tell you.” This verse is God describing Himself.

Merciful.

Gracious.

Longsuffering.

Abundant in goodness and truth.

The word used for merciful carries the sense of a deep protective compassion, almost maternal in its tenderness.

Sometimes when I fail, I picture God shaking His head in disappointment, distant and stern. Instead, He is merciful and gracious, patient beyond measure, reaching his arms out in protection, like a mother’s love.

Before we return, we must remember who we are returning to. Knowing it is safe because His character is steadfast. It is not about our performance. It is about His kindness.

As you move through the day, keep one word from the verse in your mind. You might even want to write it down to keep it visible.

Prayer

Merciful Lord, Help me remember who You are.
Return. Rest.

Amelia

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