Because they say they do? Talk is cheap. We’ve all known those who talk one way and act another. Nope. Saying “I love you,” isn’t enough. Fifty percent of marriages today begin with “I love you,” and then end, usually within the first seven years.
We know someone loves us by their actions. Actions trump words every time.
We’ve all heard the words God loves you. But does he?
Let’s compare his words: “For God so loved the world. . .”
with his actions: “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?”
When circumstances cause us to doubt God’s love for us, all we have to do is look to the cross.
When we look at our day-to-day struggles against the backdrop of the cross, we can no longer doubt his love. If God didn’t withhold his precious, perfect Son, but allowed him—nay—appointed him to a torturous death on a criminal’s cross for us, how can he not freely give us everything we need? Not everything we want (foolish that we are), but everything that he, in his infinite wisdom, knows we need to be conformed to his image and brought into a rich and full relationship with him.
Shame
On
Me
for ever doubting his love.
He spilled the blood of his precious Son to buy my pardon, and I whine that he doesn’t love me because I experience sorrow, disappointment, or hurt. Because interpersonal relationships are challenging or money is tight. Because my health fails or my husband isn’t always kind.
“There is no need to plead that the love of God shall fill our hearts as though He were unwilling to fill us. . . Love is pressing around us on all sides like air. Cease to resist it and instantly love takes possession.” ~ Amy Charmichael
God doesn’t have to prove to me, day after day, that he loves me. The trial doesn’t have to start when I open my eyes every morning. “Lord, if you love me, show me today. Help my children make me proud, let there be enough money in the checkbook, and people treat me kindly. If you love me, prove it by making me happy.” God’s love for me, and for you, was settled long ago. Once and for all. On a cruel Roman cross.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. . . “
“Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”
Once we’ve settled the fact that God loves us, we can move forward into the abundant life by resting in this glorious fact. Never again will we put God’s love on trial. Never again will the winds of circumstance cause us to doubt. Never again will we crucify God anew—“Lord, if you loved me, you’d . . .”
It’s settled.
“I am my Beloved’s, and my Beloved is mine.”
“Tho He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.If you haven't settled it, do it today.
He loves you.
This devotion is an excerpt from Lori’s new book, Hungry for God … Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women. You want to connect with God, but in the craziness of life, it’s just not happening. You want practical, biblical answers to situations you face every day, but you don’t have hours to pore over Scripture.
You need a resource that answers the questions you’re afraid to ask out loud. Questions like:
• Is my situation hopeless?
• If God already knows what he’s going to do, why bother to pray?
• Why have you allowed this to happen to me?
• No one appreciates what I do. Why shouldn’t I quit?
Each devotion begins with a Facetime question and ends with a biblical answer wrapped in a modern day parable. Like a spiritual power bar, Hungry for God … Starving for Time is packed with enough scriptural nutrition to get you through the day.
Wherever you are—in break rooms, carpool lines, or wherever you can snatch five minutes of quiet reflection—Hungry for God … Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women is for you. 
Hungry for God is on Facebook! Will you take a moment and LIKE my page? CLICK HERE to help HFG share 5-minute devotions.
The other day I bowed my head for my usual hastily uttered prayer at lunch and I thanked God for loving me, and then my mind suddenly hit a wall. God loves me, and I couldn't seem to wrap my mind around it. His love is something we take for granted, but at times, we just cannot even fathom his great love for us!
ReplyDeleteI'm stopping by from The Better Mom
Sometimes the reality and depth of his love is so overwhelming that it takes my breath away. . .
DeleteAmen! Yes, He proves His love for us every day. I have known people going through a difficult time who struggle to feel God's love for them. But love is an action, not a feeling and He proved it on the cross.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up to the "Making Your Home Sing Monday" linky party today! :)
This post just touches me deep inside. Thank you for sharing it over at WholeHearted Home.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true! Not to mention something that we (or rather I) forget often. What a wonderful reminder!
ReplyDeleteWe have the audacity to demand, "God, if you really loved me You wouldn't...or you would..." But what we should really be saying is, "God, I really love You, so I will try my absolute best to not____ and to instead _____" Filling the first blank with your biggest temptation or struggle (or perhaps just the word "complain"), and the second with whatever it is you feel God is calling you to do more. For me it would be "give You more of the undivided attention You deserve."