For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For 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

My son, Levi, often fails to hear what I’m saying because he’s too busy trying to figure out where I’m going with the conversation. Through the years, it’s become my habit to begin our conversations with “Just listen. Don’t try to figure out where I’m going. Just listen to what I’m saying.”

As a planner, Levi tries to stay a step ahead. Nothing wrong with that. We need to make some plans. But many times, I find myself doing the same thing when it comes to my faith walk. I ponder where the Lord is taking me, what He is doing with me, and how it will turn out in the end. When all He wants me to do is listen. Not try to figure it out. But listen, and then, obey.

I think of my inclinations when reading  Joseph’s response to his pregnant betrothed in the first chapter of Matthew. I don’t get to hear all his thoughts, but I can speculate what he must have been thinking while lying there. Did he replay the facts over and over like a soundtrack on repeat? Did he question God’s plans the way we so often do amid our storms? Did he think of the prophet’s words foretelling a virgin birth? Or, did he ponder his neighbor’s reaction? Imagine his own reaction when the angel appeared!

 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. Matthew 1:18-25

Certainly, God’s ways are higher than our own. For who would have thought to send a babe to save the world? I wouldn’t have. But, I’m so glad He did! Hallelujah!

History:

Songwriters: Donald A. Koch, David Allen Clark, and Mark R. Harris

Favorite line:

Why love had to reach so far