“Before they call I will answer. While they are still speaking I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24
What? Wow!
That was my response when I first heard this scripture, this absolute truth. From the moment I became a Christian and I was told God sees all, knows all and is all powerful, I didn’t doubt it. But I also never gave it much thought except in knowing that He hears my prayers—spoken and unspoken. As I read God’s Word, I realize the extent of His love and the intimacy He wants to have with us.
“Oh Lord You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and I rise up, You discern my thoughts from afar.”
Psalm 139:1-2
Again, Wow!
Never think you don’t matter to God. He sent His Son to die for you. He is never, ever disinterested in you or what happens to you.
I used to think If He knows what I’m thinking and what I’m going through, why do I have to pray?’ But I’ve learned He wants to hear from us. Our prayers draw us closer to Him creating an intimacy that grows with time. He knows us intimately and He wants us to know Him in the same way.
But, how can we know His thoughts in the same way that He knows ours? The Bible. It is not a list of do’s and don'ts. It is a love letter from God to His children. It is filled with God’s love and patience, His mercy and lovingkindness, His unfailing love in our failures, and His grace in our disobedience.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world would be saved by Him.” John 3:16-17
Does that sound like He’s indifferent or angry towards us? No. He sees us, knows our thoughts—good and bad—and our weakness in the face of sin.
“But God shows His love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
He did this not just for you and me but every single person on this planet.
“The Lord is not in keeping His promise as some count slowness, but is patient towards you not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
Yes, everyone. Everyone has the choice to turn from their sin. There is hope for everyone on this side of death. God doesn’t want to send anyone to hell. Even though He knows our thoughts, even if they are evil, repentance will open the door to forgiveness.
So read these words again and soak in this promise:
“Before they call I will answer. While they are speaking I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24
Do you understand the lovingkindness in these words now? The attention He gives us—the grace He pours out and the sacrifice He made to make us His? Knowing our thoughts . . . instead of writing us off, He writes us in when we turn away from our sin, ask Him for forgiveness, and trust Him. Hope and faith will grow as we draw closer.
For God So Loved . . .
By Eve Montano