There was a little girl busy at work, surrounded by crayons, markers and paper. When her mom asked what she was doing she said, "I’m drawing a picture of God." Her mom replied, "But, sweetheart, no one knows what God looks like." Quickly the little one responded, "That’s because I haven’t finished my picture yet."

Have you ever wondered what God is like? Actually there are only two questions in life that really matter. Is there a God? If so, what is He like?

In Isaiah 40 the prophet describes God to his people. It was really important that he do so, because the people were truly troubled. They had seen much misery in their lives. In fact, most of the first 39 chapters of Isaiah talk about bad things. There are notable exceptions in chapters six and nine, but in many Isaiah condemns the people and promises God’s judgment in those first 39 chapters.

But in chapter 40 the tone changes. The chapter begins, "Comfort my people." And then the prophet explains the reason for that. It is God. And in order to bring them comfort he tells them a little about God.

He tells them that God is compassionate. He wants to comfort His children. God is also forgiving. They had lived in hard times (verse 2), but that will come to an end. The fact that God is both compassionate and forgiving is such good news to us. We need His love and forgiveness.

God is also glorious, eternal, and powerful. Isaiah spoke of God’s glory being revealed (verse 5). And then he reminded the people of their temporal nature by comparison to God. "The word of our God stands forever," verse 8. And God’s power can be seen in all that He does for His children.

Again we return to those questions. Is there a God? More than 90 percent of Americans are convinced that there is. But this is not an instance of majority rule. If only 2 percent believed in Him, there is ample evidence for God’s presence in our world. So the next question arises. What is He like?

Isaiah says that God is compassionate, forgiving, glorious, eternal and powerful. And because of who He is, you and I can have and enjoy life. Do you know this God? He has revealed Himself to us in His Son Jesus Christ. What is God like? He is like Jesus? In fact, He is Jesus. You can know Him. In fact, that’s exactly what He wants.