God's Thoughts Are Not Our Thoughts

Note from today’s Bible reading: Isaiah 54-58

God told His people, “‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘For 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).

This passage reminds us that God’s wisdom is infinitely greater than man’s. Though we are often tempted to trust in our own way rather than submit to what God has told us, we can never find a way that is better than His.

There are two reasons for this that are mentioned in the verses surrounding this passage. First, only God can forgive us. We are to “seek the Lord” because He can “abundantly pardon” us of our sins (Isaiah 55:6-7). Without the path to forgiveness found in His word, we would be forever separated from God (cf. Isaiah 59:2) and hopelessly lost.

Second, His word “will not return to [Him] empty, without accomplishing what [He desires]” (Isaiah 55:11). Everything He has promised, He is willing and able to carry out. Though we may fail to carry out our plans despite our best intentions and diligent efforts, God’s word will always be accomplished as He intends.

So remember that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts. No mere man will ever come up with some plan, scheme, or way of life that will be superior to what the Lord has revealed to us. Therefore, let us submit to His word and do His will in all things.