Consider These Things

“Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.” Psalm 25:18 (ESV)

God inspired every word in Scripture. The word “consider” appears 67 times in the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible. What is God communicating to us when he asks us to consider something?

According to Britannica, the word “consider” means: 1. to think about (something or someone) carefully especially in order to make a choice or decision. 2. to think about (a person or a person’s feelings) before you do something in order to avoid making someone upset, angry, etc. 3. to think of or regard (someone or something) in a specified way. 4. to look at (someone or something) carefully and thoughtfully.

When God asks us to consider something, He is asking us to be thoughtful and to exercise care, rather than wandering aimlessly or thoughtlessly through life’s adventures and challenges. In his grace and mercy, He has given us guidance in the area of what things we are to consider, i.e., to think about or regard, as we go through life. These things encourage us and help us to make wise choices, to be intentional in our actions, to be good to one another, and to remain committed to Him, even when—and especially when—our lives get busy or stressed. God is so good to us! CONSIDER these verses. Repeat them out loud and take comfort in their words today:

“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” Romans 8:18 (NLT)

“Pay attention to this, Job. Stop and consider the wonderful miracles of God!” Job 37:14 (NLT)

“Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked?” Ecclesiastes 7:13 (ESV)

“Dignify those who are down on their luck; you’ll feel good—that’s what God does. God looks after us all, makes us robust with life.” Psalm 41:1 (MSG)

“Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.” Psalm 107:43 (ESV)

“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing.” Matthew 6:28 (NLT)

“Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!” Luke 12:24 (NLT)

“We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.” James 5:11 (NLT)

You are so loved today by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! He considers you worthy!
Will you consider Him?