But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. - Ephesians 2:4-5
Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace. - Jerry Bridges
Growing up going to church, I heard many times that "God loves me.” You’d probably have to travel a long way to find a person who hasn’t at least heard the thought that God loves them. God loves you. It’s a great truth to be sure, but one that doesn’t seem to have the impact that it ought to. Maybe we’ve heard it so often, it’s like Christmas music. We’re excited at first - throughout the late days of November and early days of December, we recognize it and can even sing along. But by the time Christmas comes, we are often thankful that the radio stations go back to the “regular music”.
Hearing about love or being familiar with the concept of love, reading about it or watching it in the movies is not the same as being in love. We can recognize it, maybe even appreciate it to the point we smile or even need a tissue. Love is powerful that way.
Knowing about something is helpful. But could it be that experiencing that something is a whole different matter entirely?
"God loves me" is true. But is there something more that is true, too? God is in love with me.
Which one would you prefer? Which one does your heart choose? I know which one moves me.
Books about marriage or raising kids are helpful. But the best thing is being on honeymoon or finishing each others sentences or praying together. The best thing is when you actually witness the miracle of birth … your child’s birth. I fell in love with my three daughters the moment they were put in my arms. Yes, I loved them before, but not like I loved them after. Then they let you take your baby home, then you get to have them fall asleep on your chest, and you get to hold them when they cry and pray over them and for them. These are all tangible, experiential ways we are in love.
I believe that is what God truly wants, what He intends for us - that we experience Him being in love with us. Yes, reading about it is great, and even believing that He loves us is a very good thing. But when you experience Him holding you or experience God saying to you, "I do, I do want you as my own.” That moves love from a concept to reality and we are the better for it … the one being loved. Invite God to show you (not prove) how in love with you he is, and then watch, pay attention, look. I believe somehow, someway He will overcome obstacles and push through the enemy's plots and ploys to keep you away from the very thing you were created for, to be loved by God, in love with God. Then you'll able to say more deeply … God loves me.
Yes He does ... Yes He does.
But God—so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us, Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved ([a]delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation). - Ephesians 2:4-5 (AMP)
The Daily Prayer - Paragraph 5
Jesus, I also embrace you as my new life,[25] my holiness and sanctification, and I receive all the work and triumph of your Resurrection, whereby I have been raised with you to a new life, to walk in newness of life, dead to sin and alive to God.[26] I am crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me.[27] I now take my place in your Resurrection, whereby I have been made alive with you,[28] I reign in life through you.[29] I now put on the new man[30] in all holiness and humility, in all righteousness and purity and truth. Christ is now my life,[31] the one who strengthens me.[32] Holy Spirit, apply to me the fullness of the Resurrec- tion of Jesus Christ for me. I receive it with thanks and give it total claim to my life.
An excerpt from The Daily Prayer Memory Verse Cards.
