I discover a little bookmark I received almost 20 years ago about the attributes of God. Bill Bright compiled a list of 13 things to remember about God from his book God: Discover His Character. I love thinking about God’s attributes and what they mean for how we live each day. The bookmark list reminds us that God is personal (so I can truly know Him); that He is all-powerful (and can provide any help I need); that He is ever-present, all-knowing (so He can answer any question or figure out any complexity I’m facing), and sovereign. God is also holy, truthful, righteous, and just. Bill Bright then reminds us that “because God is love, He is unconditionally committed to my well-being.” Isn’t that so wonderful to remember today? Finally, we finish the list with God as merciful, faithful, and unchanging.
I thought about Paul in prison when I read this list. As he knew God (and God didn’t remove him from his chains, for example), what did Paul dwell on when his circumstances or hardships did not change? I like to think that Paul delighted in the ever-presence of God, His love, and His sovereignty. He knew that a holy God put him where he was, and Paul had surrendered and consecrated his life as a living sacrifice. And Paul was able to know the secret of being content anywhere because he knew God in all of His glorious attributes. When we know God like this, it changes everything.
Perhaps this list will help us as we move through our day with whatever challenges we’re facing.