How He Loves Me

In a previous post I mentioned that I started a new devotional called Jesus Calling.  Below is yesterday's entry, which was such a timely message for me.  A couple different discussions lately have been about God's will and they debunked a philosophy I unknowingly believed: that if I earnestly try to grow in relationship with God, it is still possible to find myself in a place that is outside God's will for me.  It is hard to think that I believed that God was dodging me; scurrying off somewhere else every time I got close to Him; that the point of the Christian life is to accomplish a specific task, rather than love my Maker, Father, and Friend.  I found the message below, written as though Jesus were speaking to me, amazingly comforting and reassuring, releasing me to rest in God's work and His love for me rather than my own accomplishments.  I've included some verses below the devotional that have reinforced my new image of Jesus as the kind and merciful Savior and Brother.

Do not be discouraged by the difficulty of keeping your focus on Me.  I know that your heart's desire is to be aware of My presence continually.  This is a lofty goal; you aim toward it but never fully achieve it in this life.  Don't let feelings of failure weigh you down.  Instead, try to see yourself as I see you.  First of all, I am delighted by your deep desire to walk closely with Me through your life.  I am pleased each time you initiate communication with Me.  In addition, I notice the progress you have made since you first resolved to live in My presence.

When you realize that your mind has wandered away from Me, don't be alarmed or surprised.  You live in a world that has been rigged to distract you.  Each time you plow your way through the massive distractions to communicate with Me, you achieve a victory.  Rejoice in these tiny triumphs, and they will increasingly light up your days.

"The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust" (Ps. 103:8-14).

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Heb. 4:15-16).

Song: How He Loves