Because He Loved Us

I've been struck lately with the magnitude of God's love.  How high, how deep, how wide.  His love knows no bounds.  It is reckless.  It is beautiful.  I am overwhelmed when I think of the beautiful stories He has written to show us what His love is like.  Think of Hosea and the intense love God gave him for his wife - who was a prostitute.  I can't even begin to write about the Son of God leaving the glory of heaven and becoming man to suffer and die for His unfaithful bride. 

I've been reading verses like this:

"but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her...for the Lord delights in you..." (Is 62:4)

"For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed..." (Is 54:10)

"yet I will not forget you.  Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands." (Is 49:15-16)

He loves us.  He loves us so much. 

When I was reading these verses and stories I originally was thinking about all the people who need to know this!  We need to tell them.  We need to show them.  I could hardly stand it.  Then in a moment of quiet God reminded me about something.  He wants to love us with that reckless love.  He wants to love me.  He wants to love you.  How often do we let Him?  How often do we spend our days rushing, striving to serve Him?  Even in our supposed quiet times how hard do we try to love Him the best we can rather than letting Him teach us to love?

I can't really wrap my mind around the idea that the Creator of the world, the Creator of love, the Creator of me - wants me.  Obviously, it is not because of what I can do for Him, but simply because He loves me.  And He wants you too.  Not simply so you can worship and love Him, but because He loves you. 

He loves you so much.

   

Longing for More

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about my obsession with good vs. evil, light vs. dark, etc.  I know I have written about it a few times on this blog, and I think about it nearly everyday.  There is this desire, which has always been inside of me, that longs to be a part of that battle.  To have a greater purpose.  To fight on behalf of good.  To see adventure and danger.  Why is that?  Does everyone have that desire?  Will anything come to fruition because of it?

I'm not really sure what the answers to these questions are, but I have some ideas.  To go back to my old favorite C.S. Lewis, "If we find ourselves with a desire which nothing in this world satisfies, the most logical explanation is that we were made for another world."  I think the longing inside of me was given to me by God.  I believe it is a very real part of me.  Maybe God is teaching me to be more spiritually minded.  Maybe the battle I long to be a part of is "not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of darkness in the heavenly realm (Eph. 6:10)." 

Does that not sound like the crazy TV shows, movies, and books that are everywhere out there?

But that call is from real life. Better than real life - it's from God's Word. 

So, I'm thinking that maybe the more time I spend in prayer, and the more I expend of myself in spiritual warfare perhaps the more clear this desire will be. Who knows?  I guess we'll find out what God has in store.

Blessed Beyond Words

I can't even describe how thankful I am for God's grace. 

My life right now seems so simple. Wake up, read a book, maybe watch a movie (or two), talk to my family and friend Sara, journal some, check out Pinterest.  I feel like I should have no troubles and no worries.  Yet this world's pull can still grab my heart - in some ways it feels even stronger than ever before.

I can go through a whole day feeling incredibly unfaithful and unworthy of God's love.  But a good friend reminded me today that because of Jesus I am worthy.  Without Him I am nothing.  But He chose me - and He chose you.  He can change my heart into something that will glorify Him. 

I've listened to this song three times tonight. 
"When I cannot stand, I'll fall on You
Jesus, You're my hope and stay"

Peace

It seems like life is full of change these days.  New places, new things.  People coming, people going.  It never really stops, and I suppose it never really will.  I used to be one who hated change.  When the assigned seating got switched in school - my stomach would be in knots.  When I moved to the cities after I graduated high school - I hated every single second of it for quite some time.  I thought it was unnecessary and painful.  I wanted everything to stay the same, and everyone I loved to be close by me.  As I'm sure you know, life does not work that way.

Since I moved home a few months ago and had foot surgery I have had many days to simply think.  Sometimes I can get resentful as I think of the people I miss or the unknown times ahead of me.  Uncertainty easily grabs a foothold and fear takes over my heart.  However, in those moments when I finally calm down enough to take a breath there is always that still, small voice saying, "Don't worry, I've got you."

I can't tell you how thankful I am for the peace that God gives.

A little bit of variety was added into my life today, and I was able to see many friends from different parts of my life.  I had several quick hellos and goodbyes which came too soon.  Often days like this leave me feeling sad and confused, struggling to make sense of where I fit into life and what my future holds.  But tonight, after a full day, I only feel grateful.  Instead of fear, the hope for tomorrow is filling my heart.   Change is inevitable, and you can either let it destroy you or let it grow you.  When I cling to the promise that God will never leave me or forsake me I am able to accept the change in my life and in my dear friends' lives. I cannot wait to see where each tomorrow takes us and the beautiful lessons God has in store.

May He be glorified in each season of our lives.