My Beloved
When my husband and I were about to get married, my Dad and I went shopping for his wedding band. I decided to have it engraved on the inside - MY BELOVED. I wanted it to always remind him just how much he was loved. Beloved simply means dearly loved. This is how much God loved you.
“This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. “ 1 John 4:9-11
And even still he allowed his son to die...“But God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
Who in your life do you believe loves you most? What do they do to show you their love?
Do you feel like you are working for God’s affections and favor in your life? There is nothing we can do to earn the love that the Lord gives us. We simply have to receive it. It is abundant and eternal. “I have loved you with an everlasting love…” Jeremiah 31:3
Do you ever just sit in the presence of the Lord and breathe? I hope this doesn’t sound strange but sometimes when I am at my end, I must simply sit, be still and know that I am not alone. I need to know that when I wake up each morning, Jesus’ presence is with me. “Since you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you…do not be afraid, for I am with you…” Isaiah 43:3-4
Where do you most feel Christ’s presence and love? In the shower? While worshiping? In the presence of Godly community?
I can attest to the simple fact that sometimes, I might just go crazy if I don’t get some time to myself. I try often to gain strength and energy from the adoration of my family. It is these times, when I am honest with myself that I remember that my strength only comes from the Father’s love. He desires to show us just how much he loves us. We must submit ourselves to his will first and foremost. He will do the rest. “He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
Challenge yourself to spend some time in the quiet. But in that moment, ask God…
Do I know the depth of your love for me Lord? Would you show me? Would you lead me? Would you give me strength to submit to your love each morning knowing that you are in control, even in my moments of sin and weakness?
Enjoy and meditate on these love verses from the Father:
“Though the mountains may shake and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken…” Isaiah 54:10
“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
“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.” Romans 8:37-39
As a family, recall some ways that you have seen God show you his love.
1. Were you more in His presence so you could see his faithfulness?
2. How can you remind one another to look for God’s love for you in every day tasks?
3. Have you had quiet time as individual members of your family where you reflect on all that has come straight from the throne of God?
4. If you are in a time of suffering or pain and can not believe that God loves you as much as His Word says, ask God together for faith to believe and for strength to be faithful to Him even in suffering.
