2-28-18 The First 15

The Weekly Overview There is only one constant in this ever-changing world, and that’s the character of our heavenly Father. The very earth itself is undergoing changes constantly. What seems the most immovable now will one day be done away with. But God is unchanging. God is unwavering. He’s completely faithful and committed to seeing through the promises he’s made you. As we look this week at the promises of God may you ground yourself in his unchanging love. May God’s character become your source and refuge—your constant and unshakable foundation.

The Scripture “‘For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” -  Isaiah 54:10

The Worship Experience Artist: Amanda Cook Song: You Don’t Miss a Thing

The Devotional Compassion is something seldom experienced in a world filled with indifference and cruelty. Most people don’t seem to possess the level of selflessness compassion requires. Our society makes it clear that our acceptance has everything to do with our success and little to do with the grace and compassion of others for us. How we are loved and respected is based on our accomplishments and abilities rather than the love and compassion of those around us. But our God is not of this world. In Isaiah 54:10, God gives us his beautiful promise of compassion, “‘For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” The love of your heavenly Father is steadfast and immovable. His compassion for you is more sure than the very ground you walk on. And what’s more, your God’s compassion is tethered together with his grace. Psalm 103:8 says, “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (NIV). God’s compassion is not the result of what you do, but instead the direct result of his boundless love for you. God’s love is foundationally different than the love of others. In a world founded on the notion of works and rewards, cause and effect—God wants to build your foundation on his unconditional compassion. God longs to establish your relationship on the building blocks of his love and grace. It was God’s compassion for you that drove him to send Jesus to his death. It was God’s compassion for you that led him to search you out when sin had wedged a great chasm between you. And it’s God’s compassion that drives him even now to pour out his unfathomable love and affection over you. Where in your life do you need to experience God’s promise of compassion? Where do you feel like you don’t measure up? Where do you feel unloved? Isaiah 30:18-19 says, Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. For a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as he hears it, he answers you. Cry out to your God today. You can place your trust in his compassion. His love will not fail you. Again, “He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as he hears it, he answers you.” Rest in his promise of compassion. Let his love build you up in all of the areas where the world has torn you down. May the foundation of your life be built on the promise of God’s limitless grace and compassion.

The Prayer 1. Meditate on God’s promise of compassion. “‘For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10 2. Now reflect on your own life. Where do you need to experience the compassion of God? Where do you feel unloved? 3. Ask God to pour out his love on those areas of your life. Ask God to reveal his heart of compassion for you. Choose to see yourself as God does. “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” Psalm 103:8 (NIV)

One of the most important things you can do to live out the abundant life God intends for you is to align your perspective with God’s. The world will always tell you that you aren’t good enough. Choosing to see yourself as you perceive those around you do will only set you up for heartache. You can choose to view yourself with the same grace and compassion that God does—today. He sees you perfectly. He sees you truthfully. And he sees you lovingly. Whenever you feel like you need God’s compassion, go back to the truth of what his word says. His promises are sure and unfailing. Live today in light of God’s love, and let compassion fill your heart with joy and steadfastness through any and every circumstance. Extended Reading: Psalm 145

CRAIG DENISON is the author and founder of First15, a daily devotional guiding tens of thousands of believers into a fresh experience with God's presence every day. He writes, speaks, and he and his wife, Rachel lead worship to help believers establish a more tangible, meaningful connection with God.