Understanding God’s Ways
The phrase “My thoughts are not your thoughts” comes from Isaiah 55:8-9, where God declares:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “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 (NIV)
This truth reminds us that God's perspective is not like ours. His plans are greater, His timing is perfect, and His understanding is limitless—even when we don’t see it.
God Sees the Bigger Picture
We often see only what's in front of us. But God sees the beginning, middle, and end all at once.
Joseph’s story shows this clearly. His own brothers sold him into slavery (Genesis 37:28), and he was wrongly imprisoned. But God used it all for good:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
— Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
Another example is from Romans 11:33:
“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!”
Trusting When It Doesn’t Make Sense
Sometimes God's ways confuse us. But we are not called to understand everything—we are called to trust.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
— Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)
“We live by faith, not by sight.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
— Psalm 56:3 (NIV)
Situations Where Trust is Tested
| Situation | Our Thoughts Say | God's Higher Way |
|---|---|---|
| Delayed prayer answer | “God isn’t listening.” | God is growing patience and faith. (James 1:3) |
| Unexpected loss | “This is unfair.” | God comforts and promises eternal hope. (John 14:1–3) |
| Closed door | “I missed my chance.” | God is guiding to something better. (Revelation 3:7–8) |
God’s Plans Are Better
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
— Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
— Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
— Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Renewing Our Minds
God doesn’t just change our situation—He changes us. When we begin to think more like Him, we live in greater peace.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
— Romans 12:2 (NIV)
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 2:5 (NKJV)
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
— Colossians 3:2 (NIV)
Ways to Renew Our Thinking
- Meditate on Scripture daily (Psalm 1:2)
- Pray for wisdom and understanding (James 1:5)
- Stay in godly fellowship (Hebrews 10:24–25)
- Replace worry with worship (Philippians 4:6–7)
- Let go of control and surrender to God (Luke 22:42)
Faith Over Understanding
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
— Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
— John 20:29 (NIV)
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
You don’t have to figure everything out. God already has. And His thoughts—though higher than yours—are always full of love.
