Proof of His Love

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.

His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of gods.

His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the Lord of lords:

His love endures forever."

Psalm 136:1-3

I read the words on the page proclaiming of God's amazing, enduring love, but how do I know it is real?  How do I know He loves me?  I mean, really know deep in my heart without a doubt?  How can I take a risk to place my entire life in His loving hands, trusting that He won't hurt me, exploit me or let me down?  It takes faith.  

Here is some evidence of His great love to bolster my faith.

Great Wonders.  Standing under the expanse of sky that crisp, clear night, I am struck by the enormity of the universe and of my own tiny, insignificant life.  In comparison to all the twinkling stars I see sprinkled throughout the dark canvass above me, I realize there is a great Force at work in this world who has created unimaginable wonders, things I can barely comprehend let alone try to mimic: Oceans teaming with wildlife, a plethora of flora and fauna waiting to be discovered, a sun whose rise and fall I can set my watch to, and the moon whose glorious glow, in the words of Clement Clark Moore, gives "the lustre of mid-day to objects below."  (Psalm 136:4-9)

And the conclusion the psalmist draws from recognizing such wonders?  "His love endures forever."  A God who would grant such glorious gifts to His most prized possession, His beautiful image bearers, is the God of a permanent kind of love of which I can never lose.  I am secure in the love from a God such as this.  If He can perform such miraculous, creative wonders, is there anything He will not do out of His great love?  Nope, nothing is off-limits to such a loving God!

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence pointing toward God's enduring love is all of creation of which I am an integral part.

Salvation.  There is a track record of salvation written throughout the pages of scripture.  God is continually at work saving His people (Psalm 136:10-16).  Sometimes its the oppression of sin and fear that holds me down, compelling me to call out to the One whose sword can free me from the guilt and anxiety that often comes with living in a fallen world.  Other times its the so-called impossible situations I often face which send me to my knees where I find delivery from what I once labeled as my lot in life.  Then there are the times when I'm confronted by the ugly monsters of life, the giants that bully me into submission, giving me cause to cry out in desperation to the God who fights these overwhelming battles on my behalf.

And the conclusion the psalmist draws from remembering such salvation?  "His love endures forever."  A God whose heart is inclined toward the suffering of His people produces the kind of love on which I can count.  His love will never let me down, and there is never a time when I cannot cry out to Him and expect Him to ride in on His great white stead and rescue me from my present danger.

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence pointing toward God's enduring love is His willingness to rescue me.

Sovereignty.  Protection.  Provision.  Blessing.  Rescue.  Despite my unfaithfulness to a God who is in complete control, He still chooses to remember me, to see me in my current situation, to comfort me in all my troubles.  His authority over all things is often forgotten as I go about my day, attempting to feebly protect my wounded pride with coldness of heart, guarding against every conceivable disaster with insurance and money in the bank, and struggling to rescue myself from the stresses of life by using my own twisted methods of coping.  I find myself failing miserably, yet He never writes me off as a lost cause, always ready to use His sovereign power for my benefit.

And the conclusion the psalmist draws from realizing such perfect authority over all things?  "His love endures forever."  A God who is completely in control of all things yet yearns for me to willingly submit to His perfect plan for my life is a God whose love can be trusted as safe, faithful, and abundant.  He does not need me, yet He wants me.  And not just parts of me as I so often tend to give, but all of me; every nook and cranny of my heart.  

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence pointing toward God's enduring love is His sovereignty over all things yet willingness to be a personal part of my seemingly insignificant life.

It's sometimes hard to believe anyone, let alone the God of the universe, could love me.  He is all-powerful, all-present, all-knowing; why would He care about me?  The beauty of this God of all gods is that He is made of love.  And the proof of His great love is written throughout His creation, found in the way He chooses to save me, and in His sovereign power that is used for my good.  This is some evidence of His love which can propel me forward into His waiting arms.  Why wait another minute?

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust my whole life to such a God as this.  

How do I hold out on God, unsure of His love for me?

When do I doubt His love despite the fact that there is evidence everywhere?  

The Risk of Comfort

"When I have brought them into the land

flowing with milk and honey,

the land I promised on oath to their ancestors,

and when they eat their fill and thrive,

they will turn to other gods and worship them,

rejecting me and breaking my covenant.

And when many disasters and calamities come on them,

this song will testify against them,

because it will not be forgotten by their descendants.

I know what they are disposed to do,

even before I bring them into the land 

I promised them on oath."

Deuteronomy 31:20-21

They were on the cusp of seeing the promise they had so long awaited be fulfilled.  This new generation of Israelites, the children of the whining and complaining group of desert-wandering people, had heard all their lives about the land flowing with milk and honey.  They grew up with the assurance that God would one day, when the time was right, usher them into the land of their inheritance.  

Before they set foot in this glorious land, however, God wanted to make sure they were fully aware of His expectations for them.  After He laid down the law, instructing them directly in His ways, He ended with a warning.  The caution was centered around a tendency for the human heart to stray when times are good.  When they were wandering around the desert, directly dependent upon God for their sustenance (manna and quail), clothing (supernaturally preserved) and guidance (pillar of fire by night and pillar of cloud by day), it was necessary for them to stay focused on their Provider.

Once they entered into the land promised to them, however, times would get easier.  They would live in houses they did not build, eat from gardens they didn't plant and enjoy the fruits of someone else's labor. (Deuteronomy 6:10-13) They would get comfortable.  

When things start to go well, the sinful human heart tends to turn away from God.  It is this treacherous tendency of which God warns.  Thankfully, there is an antidote given for this malady.

Faithfulness of God

"I forgot."

This was often the excuse one of my daughters would give when confronted about her unfinished chores.  While the human memory often fails, God's never does.  

No matter how faithless I tend to be; going my own way, depending on my own strength, and focusing inwardly, God never forgets His promises.  My weakness does not in any way diminish His strength.  My sin never takes away from His holiness.  My waywardness doesn't negate His persistence.  

Therefore, my success in His kingdom depends completely on Him and not on me.  Like He told Paul, His grace is enough for me and His power is evident when I give up in my own labors.  (2 Corinthians 12:9)  When I surrender my life into His hands, He grows to take up a more prominent place in my life.  Once I get out of the way, He can truly show His power.  Until then, my efforts block His work from manifesting in my life.

It is important, then, that I admit to my failings, am honest about my inabilities and stop trying to put up a strong front.  Pretending like I've got everything under control does not bring glory to God.  Showing my weaknesses by living transparently before God and others, admitting of my need for Him does.

If I want to resist drifting away from the Lord in times of comfort, I must keep connected to the God of faithfulness.

Remember

My dad loves to tell stories of his youth.  He recounts the adventures he experienced, the people he encountered, and the hard times he endured.  Hearing about his life helps me to better understand him and the legacy he is leaving his family.

It is important that I use this same practice when it comes to the Lord.  When I talk about His mighty works, recounting all the ways He has provided, comforted and prevailed, I leave a legacy of faith to those who are listening.  As the years go by, these tales may seem like a distant memory or a kind of fairy tale, but the practice of telling the story keeps alive the legends of God's greatness.

For this reason, I make it a practice to keep a "Stones of Remembrance" journal.  Before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River to enter into the Promised Land, God instructed them to collect twelve stones, one for each tribe, and erect them as an altar of remembrance for generations to come.  Whenever children would see the pile of rocks, they would inquire of its significance and those present would have the opportunity to tell how God parted the waters to provide a way for them to enter into the land in which they now live. (Joshua 4:1-7)  In the same way, I keep a record of God's mighty works, big and small, to serve as inspiration in times to come.  

It is good to remind myself and others of how God has provided in the past when I reach a time of want.  When times of loss come, it is beneficial to look back at the comfort God has given during other periods of grief.  If I reach a moment of crisis, it helps to keep in mind the strong leadership my Shepherd has provided in days gone by.

If I want to resist drifting away from the Lord in times of comfort, I must make it a practice to remember the works of God.

Sovereignty of God

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't make it work.  I had the dream of digging a pond for the duck our neighbor gave me.  Even though I was just a kid, I wanted to give my new feathered friends the joy that came from paddling around a body of water.  So, I got to work digging a sizable hole.  Once it was big enough, I ran the hose until it reached the hole and filled it up.  Much to my dismay, the water quickly soaked into the ground.  Without the help of an adult who knew about building ponds, my efforts were for naught.

In the same way that I couldn't reach my goal only with what little know-how I possessed in my young mind, there is no way for me to succeed in life without the Lord. (Proverbs 16:1-9) Nothing happens outside of His will, so if I want to live a life of peace and purpose, I will need to pay attention to His instructions and His leadership.  In the same way that my project failed in my own feeble attempts, so will my life if I rely only on my own understanding and common sense.

Formulating a plan, then, is not what it takes to live a life of meaning that will bring glory to God.  Wanting to do something of worth and value with my life will not get me to my goal.  Taking the steps I think are necessary to please God will do nothing to bring pleasure to Him.  Instead, I must seek God wholeheartedly, relying on His sovereign plan to give me my marching orders.

This means when I want to charge full-steam ahead, I may need to reign in my enthusiasm and wait for the go-ahead from the Master Planner.  I will also find that in the times when I'm feeling vulnerable, God may have amazing feats of wonder to work out in my life in the midst of the struggle.  There is also the possibility that my sense of ill-preparedness is exactly what God will use to showcase His power.

If I want to resist drifting away from the Lord in times of comfort, I must keep in mind that nothing of significance can happen apart from Him.

Even though I desire ease and comfort, there is a risk in reaching such a plateau.  I would be wise, then, to heed God's warning designed to keep me close to Him, and guard against my tendency to drift.  As a result, it is my intention to stand firm on the faithfulness of God, remember His mighty acts, and live as if my life depended on Him.  In these ways, I'll minimize the risk of living a life of comfort and security.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep God in the foreground of my vision.

When do I let God fade into the hazy distance?

How do I try to make things happen on my own, neglecting to consider God's sovereign plan? 

He Reigns

"Then as I looked, 

I saw a door standing open in heaven,

and the same voice I had heard before

spoke to me like a trumpet blast.

The voice said,

'Come up here,

and I will show you what must happen after this.'

And instantly I was in the Spirit,

and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it.

The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones--

like jasper and carnelian.

And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow.

Twenty-four thrones surrounded him,

and twenty-four elders sat on them.

They were all clothed in white

and had gold crowns on their heads."

Revelation 4:1-3 NLT

"Plane crashes killing two and injuring dozens."

"40 dead, 322 wounded in latest Cairo clash."

"At least 9 dead in Chicago after weekend shootings."

"Brazil soccer referee's head displayed midfield after murderous match."

"Lady Gaga defiles national anthem by replacing 'home of the brave' with 'home of the gays.'"

These are some of the headlines from today's news.  Clearly, the world is in chaos, sin runs rampant and it seems that evil rules.  Hearts have grown cold and I can easily feel there is no hope.  If I could take a peek through an open door and catch a glimpse of heaven, however, what would I see that would fill me with optimistic expectations?

Throne

The moment I or one of my family members leaves the room, the whining begins.  It starts as a whimper that turns into a belly-growl.  Before you know it, our family dog is barking incessantly.  Coal, our 10-year-old lab mix does not like to be alone;  simply being in the presence of his family brings him comfort.  

As a result, when he and his brother are sequestered in a room each day in order to keep them out of the way during Bible study groups, visits from friends or other various activities, he often protests.  There is something about human company that brings him comfort.

In the same way, I can derive a certain amount of assurance from the fact that the throne in heaven does not sit empty.  Instead, the Lord my God, Maker of heaven and earth fills this symbol of power, authority and sovereignty.  God is in control.

Therefore, when I see the evil all around me and I'm tempted to lose hope, I can remember the presence of my Father whose company I can never escape.  His eye doesn't miss a thing and He hems me in with His loving kindness; the Lord is the consummate Shepherd, guiding me through all the trials of life. (Psalm 139)

In a world seemingly out-of-control, I can take comfort from the fact that the Lord sits on the throne.

Glory

The sheer intensity of the lighted blinded the man.  He fell to the ground in terror tinged with awe.  "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"  The voice clearly condemned his life's work, adding to the fear and trepidation building in the chosen one's heart.  In the blink of an eye, Saul suddenly knew the Truth:  All this time, he had been living according to the wrong set of standards.  Coming into contact with the Namesake of those he bullied changed his life forever. (Acts 9:1-9)

No one can imagine the perfection, holiness, and pure power present in the glory of God.  Moses caught a glimpse of the backside of the Lord and came away with a face that glowed with God's awesome brilliance; so much so that he had to cover his face with a veil to keep from freaking out the people with whom he spoke. (Exodus 34:29-35) There is nothing like a hint of God's awe-inspiring nature to put things into perspective.

Knowing how much higher God is from all created things can give me a sense of peace in a world gone mad. (Isaiah 55:8-9)  When I see children being abused and used in ways that my mind cannot fathom, I can remember the One whom all will one day confess as Lord. (Romans 14:11-12)  

I can also take heart as I see the sexual immorality tarnishing every facet of our society, knowing that a Holy God does not overlook this kind of abomination.  And when that sin stains my own heart, I can go on without shame as the blood of Jesus covers over my transgressions, making me white as snow. (1 John 1:7)

In a world marked by sin, I can take comfort from the fact that my Father is a righteous God.

His Faithfulness

His people carried an ancestry of His Name.  Those who came from the bloodline of Abraham were named as God's very own.  Simply being born into the right family made them special in the eyes of God. (Genesis 12:1-3, Exodus 6:7)  The nation of Israel were considered by God to be His very own.

Under the new covenant of grace, I no longer need be born into the right family tree.  Now, I can enter into His favor through faith in Jesus Christ who took the punishment for my sins, setting me right with God. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)  I am now included as one of His very own, the people of promise, and therefore part of His plan. (Romans 9:8)

God is a just God who cannot overlook sin.  When He chose His people, He expected them to stay separate from the rest of the world, keeping themselves holy.  God enacted many rules to help His people keep sanctified for His service.  Unfortunately, sin proved all too powerful and many succumbed to it's lure, highlighting their need for a Savior.

Despite the desperate nature of my depravity, God is faithful to include me, a sinner tarnished and born into the wrong bloodline as one of His own.  The power of the blood of Jesus cleanses me from all unrighteousness, leaving me as one of His very own.  There is nothing that can now condemn me so secure is my place in His family.  Living for Him as one of His children sets my feet on solid ground. (Romans 8:1)

In a world where I am used to earning my keep, I can take comfort from the fact that my salvation is secure in Christ.

It is easy to lose hope in such a dark place.  Simply reading the headlines can cause me to sink into despair.  Thankfully, though, I have much good to anticipate due to the fact that the Lord is on the throne, His ways are higher than mine, and He is faithful to include me as one of His own.    This day I choose to praise my God because He reigns!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember that my God reigns.

How do I sink into despair, forgetting Who is in control?

When do I depend on my own understanding instead of letting God in His sovereignty rule over my life?

Faithfulness of God

"For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ

with a resounding 'Yes!'  

And through Christ,

our 'Amen' (which means 'Yes')

ascends to God for his glory.

It is God who enables us,

along with you,

to stand firm for Christ.

He has commissioned us,

and he was identified us as his own

by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts

as the first installment that guarantees

everything he has promised us."

2 Corinthians 1:20-22 NLT

Track Record.  I usually know whether or not I can depend on someone based upon their past behavior.  Some are dependable, others are flaky and forgetful.  Behavior betrays one's faithfulness.

I can always count on God as recorded in His Word.  "I will proclaim the name of the LORD.  Oh, praise the greatness of our God!  He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just.  A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he."  (Deuteronomy 32:3-4)

When all around me seems unstable and unsure, I can stand on the Solid Rock.  Even when I don't know the answers, God holds the blueprint for my life in the palm of his hand.  In the times when I feel I can't trust myself, let alone those around me, I can trust God.  

Why can I put all my eggs in God's basket?  It is because He possesses a flawless track record.

Abraham

The years past by and hope turned to dust; dry and lifeless like the rocky land in which he lived. I want to believe God, but how long must a wait for a child?  I'm an old man. . . maybe I was hallucinating.  Maybe God wants me to do something to make His promise happen.  Maybe I imagined the whole thing.  

Abraham and Sarah had to wait over 25 years before the promise God made in Genesis 12 was fulfilled; the promise that, ". . all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. . " and, "To your offspring I will give this land." (v3, 7)

Finally, when Abraham reached 100 years of age, Isaac was born; the promise had been fulfilled.  God has His own timetable and it has nothing to do with me.  If I'm going to trust Him I must not bind Him with the parameters of time.  

I often grow weary of waiting; for things to get better, for relationships to be healed, for hardened hearts to soften.  As one who follows a faithful God, I know that I can trust Him to do as He has said He will do.  He will finish what He has started, bind the brokenhearted and work a miracle in a heart.  He is able. . . if I am willing to wait on Him.

God is faithful to keep His promises. . . on His timetable.

Joseph

It all started with a dream.  He foolishly and arrogantly shared the dream with his brothers of all their sheaves of wheat bowing down to his.  Soon, he found himself the victim of his brother's cruel jealousy, sold into slavery and on his way to Egypt to become the slave of Pharaoh's captain of the guard.  

As if this wasn't bad enough, despite the position of trust he had risen to in the house of Potiphar, he soon found himself imprisoned due to a false charge by his master's wife.  Years later, God enabled him to interpret the Pharaoh's dream, landing him a position as second in command in all of Egypt.  After 13 years of unfair circumstances and undeserved treatment, Joseph had risen to an unimaginable level.  As he later said to his brothers when they were reunited, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."  (Genesis 50:20)

You see, Joseph's life seemed like one big tragedy, but because of the foresight revealed by Pharaoh's dream, the prophecy from a boy's long ago dream came true.  And through Joseph's position of power, God was able to use him to prepare a country for a famine that no one else knew was coming.  Soon, all would come to Egypt looking for grain.  Even his brothers would bow before him out of desperation.

I often feel like life has not been fair to me or those around me.  I work hard and try to do the best I can, but I can't seem to catch a break.  I lose my job.  I am falsely accused.  I am taken to court.  The car breaks down, the roof springs a leak and my knee goes out all in the same week.  When will things get better?

Even though life is harsh and circumstances seem unfair, God has a way of taking something bad and using it for the good.  He has a knack for utilizing weak and broken people for powerful and restorative acts.  The Lord can turn the tables in a heartbeat, leaving observers with a serious case of whiplash.

The Apostle Paul reassured us with the thought that, "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Joseph's purpose was ultimately to provide a way for the Israelites to enter into slavery in Egypt, thus opening a need for delivery in a way that would showcase God's great power and proclaim His name throughout all the earth. 

Who knows what plan God has for my life. . . or for your life?  Future generations could be affected by circumstances that I am going through right now.  My ancestors might benefit from the fruit that is produced from my heartache.  A seed that is planted right now in the midst of my trouble could sprout and grow for many to see in years yet to come.

Putting my trust in a faithful God means leaving the outcome up to Him, no matter how unfair circumstances now may seem.

Messiah

"He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."  (Isaiah 53:5)

"You will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay."  (Psalm 16:10)

"The LORD ways to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.' (Psalm 110:1)

Generations of Jews studied these, along with many other prophecies, as they awaited the coming of their Messiah; their promised deliverer.  When would He come?  How will He vanquish our enemies?  How long must we wait?  They must have quivered with excitement of the prospect of their liberation.  

God did fulfill these prophecies in the Person of Jesus Christ.  He died on the cross, taking the punishment for my sins and giving me a peace with God through faith in Him.  He rose again on the third day, illustrating His victory over death.  He is now seated at the right hand of God as the conqueror of the power and consequences of sin in my life.  All mankind is liberated from the death sentence our sin deserves.  

From the moment when Adam first sinned and the state of mankind fell from it's original design, we have been estranged from God.  In that one instant on the cross, the relationship was restored and the impossible once again became possible.  The imperfect is reunited with the Perfect One.  The unholy can abide with the Holy One.  The estranged is brought back together with the Beloved.

If God can accomplish the impossible task of redeeming my hopeless, sinful soul, then I can certainly trust God with everything in my life.

It is not easy to trust those who let us down, but because of God's faithfulness to keep His promises, I can stand firm on His strong foundation.  The constricts of time, harsh circumstances or impossible tasks do not get in His way.  His will prevails. . . of this I can be certain.   

This is the God on Whom I will stake my life.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember all that God has done to help me believe in all that He will do.

How do I get bogged down in the difficulties and forget that His plan can use those troubles?

When would it benefit me to remember the impossible task of redemption that Jesus accomplished on the cross?