LOOKING UP TO THE GOD WHO LOVES ME
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; what is man that You take thought of him? And the son of man, that You care for him? —Psalm 8:3-4
When I was in college at the University of Texas, I used to go to the library at night to study. As I would walk home to my dorm at 11:00 p.m. or so, I would look up into the night sky and think about the greatness of God. I felt so small compared to the vastness of the universe. I would say with David, “Wow, Lord. Who am I that you would care for me or even give me a thought? You are so awesome, and I am so insignificant.”
THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER
God is so much greater than our minds could ever comprehend. He created all that we see, all that the highest-powered telescopes can reveal, just by the power of His Word. He simply spoke it all into existence. Universes drip off His fingertips.
The Bible says that God is so “off the charts” glorious and majestic that He even has to humble Himself to behold the things in heaven (see Psalm 113:6). Did you catch that? Every time God looks around heaven, it is a humbling experience for Him. Now, that is glory to the nth degree!
And here is the even more amazing part: this same, infinite God is crazy in love with you and me. We matter to Him. He thinks about us all the time. His thoughts toward you and me outnumber the sand on the seashore (see Psalm 139:18). How cool is that?
WHY DOES GOD LOVE US?
Why does God love you and me so much? Why did He send His Son to die such a horrible death for us on the cross? It isn’t because you and I are so wonderful; it’s because God is so wonderful (see Deuteronomy 7:6-9). The Scripture clearly tells us, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Love is a big part of His nature. God chose to love us regardless of who we are or what we do. Because it was God’s choice, it is not dependent on you and me. Talk about getting off the performance-based acceptance train! Here is truth to put in your heart: There is nothing you can do to get God to love you any more than He already does, and there is nothing you can do to get God to love you any less than He already does. He just loves you!
Our job is to receive His love and rejoice in His love. Obedience to His commands comes when you realize that everything God tells us to do or not to do is for our greatest good. The God who loves me tells me yes to some things and no to other things. His commandments are not given to deprive me; they are given to bless me, because every one of them is given in love.
HOMEWORK
Tonight, go outside and look up into the starry sky. Consider His heavens. Consider how great He is. Then, remember that the awesome God who made all that you see knows your name. He knows your circumstances. He knows your victories and your struggles. He knows everything there is to know about you, and He loves you still.
Share your hopes, dreams, worries, and fears with Him. Tell Him that you love Him. Cast all your cares upon Him, because He really does care for you (see 1 Peter 5:7)! Remember this great word from Isaiah the Prophet, “For since the world began, no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like You, who works for those who wait for Him” (Isaiah 64:4 NLT)! He truly will work in the hearts of those who will look to Him and wait for Him. Will you do it?
Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries
Jeff Schreve founded From His Heart Ministries, www.fromhisheart.org, in 2005 with the vision to reach as many people as possible with the good news of God's love. Jeff believes that no matter how badly you may have messed up in life, God still loves you and has a great plan just for you. He broadcast on radio, TV and in the internet around the world from his pulpit ministry as Pastor of First Baptist in Texarkana, Texas. This ministry is completely listener/viewer supported. It continues only through the faithful and generous gifts of people like you. Pastor Jeff takes no income from this ministry. All gifts go to further the broadcast.
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