Wanda Bam

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.” Let them now that fear the Lord say, that his mercy endureth for ever.” Psalm 118:1,4

“I promise to remain true to you all my days, to love you forever. Nothing will separate us.  Nothing will be more important than you. Forever, only you for me.” Words that you and I have heard spoken many times, in many ways. Similar words are spoken during celebrations, shared in a variety of ways. The excitement of young love often lies in the unknown, in the mystery of it, in moments of romance. There is also the love that has journeyed a lifetime, the love that has seen hardships, agony, forgiveness, that draws people together, and a love that draws people to God.

God is the source of love, the One who took the initiative and made us a part of his eternal love story. This is a love that is not complicated, does not require achievement or success, only a willingness to partake of it, as there is sufficient for all, including you and me.

Maybe today is one of those days when it feels as though God cannot or does not love you. Maybe it feels as though God is still requiring restitution from you, for sins already confessed. Just know that He is the same God who repeatedly forgave Israel for their sins, even adding that He would never consider their sins again. He too had to frequently hear “Of his love there is no end” as they worshipped Him, only to watch them slide back into their old ways before long. They chose to worship other gods and idols, knowing that it was wrong.  They often chose to disregard their first love, their love of the Almighty. The story of their unfaithfulness towards God and His repeated forgiveness through love, is what makes God, the source of perfect love, a reality to ordinary people like you and me. We are a part of this love story, the story that is filled with grace, conflict, sin and forgiveness, and the wonder of all wonders, His words of astounding encouragement, “Let them now that fear the Lord say, that his mercy endureth for ever.”

Prayer:  Father God, today I bow before You in all honesty and in awe of who You are. I am not worthy of your love, but I know that your grace is also meant for me. Please enfold me in your refuge of love and grace and teach me, day by day, what true love is. Thank you for your love, as I now make it mine also. Amen