The effort started out simply enough.
I set out to pen a note to my sweet mister on the occasion of our 20 years of life together. Over two decades, we’ve exchanged countless expressions of affection and appreciation for one another. But as the 20-year mark approached, I was looking for a fresh way to let him know how grateful I am to walk this life with him. Glancing at the wedding band our younger selves exchanged, I found a bit of inspiration. Etched inside the gold ring are our initials, wedding date, and I John 4:19.
“We love because He first loved us.” What a great line and an even better truth.
So I jumped into the Word to find out what other winsome lines on love were to be found. Thirty minutes later, I was weeping for what I [re]discovered.
Friends, have you sat a spell and been bowed by how wildly, ridiculously, and lavishly we are loved? The depths of God’s affection for us cannot be measured. Its boundlessness cannot be fathomed. Its richness cannot be valued. The truth of it brings me to my knees in awe and gratitude.
Lean in and listen with me to how wide and deep and long is God’s love for you.
“You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book.” -Psalm 139:14
“You are fearfully and wonderfully made.” -Psalm 139: 14
“My plans for you have always been filled with hope.” -Jeremiah 29:11
“I rejoice over you with singing.” -Zephaniah 3:17
“I love you with an everlasting love.” -Jeremiah 31:3
“For you are my treasured possession.” -Exodus 19:5
“I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul.” -Jeremiah 32:40
“When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.” -Psalm 34:18
“As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart.” -Isaiah 40:11
“One day, I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.”- Revelation 21:3-4
“For I am your provider, and I will meet all your needs.” -Matthew 6:31-33
“I will never stop doing good to you.” -Jeremiah 32:40
And that is just a small taste of the immeasurable, untamed love of God that He speaks over you and me. It is a remarkable thing to consider.
I pray this day we might know how wonderfully and completely we are loved by the Author of love itself. Amen?
Amen.