I love my kids, my husband, and lunch with a good friend. I love pizza, pasta, and just about anything on the grill. I love the ocean breeze, sandy beaches, and watching the sunrise or set over the ocean. I love connecting, communicating, and creating pictures with my words. But most of all...I love God! I love hearing His voice. I love when He speaks to my soul, granting me direction and wisdom without a sound being heard.
Yet, sometimes, because I use the word love so freely, I forget the depth of its meaning.
This morning as I prayed and listened for God to speak I read a verse from Jeremiah that gripped my heart. Jeremiah 31:3 says, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. (NIV)
WOW! What does it mean to be loved by God? Is He moved by my troubles? Does He care when I suffer? Is He willing to move on my behalf? Does He really care?
I love :) how Romans 8:31-39 expresses God's love to us, as believers:
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? ... Christ Jesus, who died — more than that, who was raised to life — is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (NIV)
When I think about the depth of love I have for my children I capture a glimpse of the Father's love.
A love that would willingly lay down its life...
A love that is more concerned about long term growth than momentary happiness...
A love that listens...intercedes...provides...and would go to any length to protect.
Friend, I want to encourage you (regardless of your current circumstances, questions, or concerns) abandon your life completely to God; entrust him with every part.
Is God moved by your troubles? Does He care when you suffer? Is He willing to move on your behalf? Does He really care?
Psalm 34:17-18 says, "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (NIV)
May we rejoice and rest today, knowing that we are loved...that God IS near...and that we are NOT alone!
thank you so much! this was here when i needed it! thank you Jehovah! i was feeling out of sorts about my faith and doubting and questioning. i had to read these words. thank you to Jehovah. and thank you also. i hope many read and find confirmation and love here!
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