What Would You Say?

For those of you who knew me during college, you know that I spent many of nights confined within the walls of the Frothy Monkey. I had many bible studies, pondering sessions, dates(?), cherishable conversations, chess matches, and sips of Jones Soda on the benches of that coffeehouse. For a few months during the summer between my undergrad and graduate program, I met with a friend named Megan Peters every week at the Frothy Monkey. I enjoyed many of the conversations I had with Megan; however, one sticks out in my mind above all the rest. One night she challenged me to answer the question, "Who is God to you?" using approximately five key points. Although I had talked to God often, and thought about him even more, I had never really sat down and considered who He was to me. Sure, I had a picture in my mind about what He looked like (such as the cartoon-like pictures you see at VBS and Children's Church), but I had never really thought about describing him with words and verses and thoughts. After a week of searching through my bible and digging through my thoughts, this is what I came up with:

1. "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalms 4:8
2. " You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, O Lord; Listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me." Psalms 86:5-7
3. "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak..." Isaiah 40:28-29
4. "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the whole world." 1 John 2:2
5. "God is love." 1 John 4:16
6. "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are- yet was without sin." Hebrews 4:15
7. "The Lord is my shepherd..." Psalms 23:1
8. "For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe." Psalms 61:3

This week, I encourage you to think about 5 or so things God means to you too. Yours will probably look completely different yet very similar all at the same time. If someone were to ask you, what would you say?