We are told in the living Word that God’s thoughts toward us are as numerous as the grains of sand upon earth. This has been mathematically calculated (seven quintillions) but really, the analogy means immeasurable. The number of thoughts God has toward you and me is beyond our ability to comprehend or grasp. We are so important and beloved that He can’t stop thinking of us. We are constantly on His mind!

“How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!

If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.“ Psalm 139:17-18 (NKJV)

“Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; And Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” Psalm 40:5 (NKJV)

And so, what does God think of us?

Jeremiah 29:11-12 assures us that His thoughts are not of evil, rather they are of peace and hope. He wants to give us a future where desires are fulfilled and blessings abound. He is not in His throne room grumbling and complaining over our choices and actions. He does not criticize and condemn His elect. Furthermore, He probably contemplates our tendency to suffer through guilt, for guilt is swathed with shame and is of the enemy. God has given us freedom over sin and forgiveness. He will convict us of wrongdoing, but will never shame us into submission.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:11-12 (NKJV)

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.“ Romans 8:1 (NKJV)

Just as our earthly fathers have countless thoughts of our future, well-being, and their love for us, God shares in these fatherly reflections. The only difference is that we in God’s thoughts continually, both day and night. Additionally, God is a deep thinker, so His thoughts are probably far more heartfelt, intense, and complex than that of all mankind.

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” John 1:12 (NKJV)

“O Lord, how great are Your works! Your thoughts are very deep.” Psalm 92:5 (NKJV)

When God sees us struggling with worry and anxiety, He may wonder why we have forgotten to trust Him with the provision of our needs. And when we are wrestling with past memories and old habits, God may gently whisper words of encouragement in our sleep. Reminders to stand fast in our liberty found through Christ Jesus. For no father wishes to find their child entangled in a yoke of bondage.

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1 (NKJV)

With special care and attention, God formed us in our mother’s womb. Everything about us was designed according to His perfect plan and will. We are His workmanship, living masterpieces!

My guess is that when we look in the mirror and criticize our form, God thinks how sad it is we have yet to recognize our true beauty and worth. He may think, “Why does this vessel criticize the Potter? How long will take for this child sees his/her value?” We are His treasure, just like the beautiful pearl the merchant sought out and obtained at a great price.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”       Matthew 13:45-46 (NKJV)

Because I do not have words to equal the grains of sand upon this planet, I will end with a final thought. Maybe God thinks we are too busy for Him and has been thinking up special ways to get our attention. When you love somebody, you want to spend time with them. You want to share experiences, conversations, and ideas. God loves us with a priceless and unconditional love, and He desires our fellowship.

Why not try thinking a bit more about God? Why not start a conversation with the Creator and see what He says. Listen carefully, for He will speak! Most likely with words of love, grace, and hope.

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Consider these scriptures in your time of meditation

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)

“In my distress I called upon the Lord and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry came before Him, even to His ears.” Psalm 18:6 (NKJV)

“‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’” Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV)

Awake My Soul by Chris Tomlin