Unfathomable love

Awful things may happen to us as a result of living in this fallen world, but our hope lies in God's everlasting and unchanging love. I'm learning that God's love strengthens us, restores us, and is always available to us.

When darkness surrounds me, I remember that Christ experienced dark days too. Even though Jesus was fully God, He was also fully man. During His early ministry, Jesus experienced times of pain and anxiety just as we do. In the garden of Gethsemane, He endured great pain as He faced His fate—death on a cross. Never once in the garden did Christ thank God for the pain. He didn't rejoice in His fear, nor was He grateful for His suffering. In the flesh of man, He experienced deep sorrow, desertion, and anxiety. How did Christ manage to press on?

Christ endured because regardless of His circumstances, He trusted in His Father's love. Christ knew that God's love was the source of His strength. I imagine Jesus found comfort by quoting Isaiah 54:10 many times during His darkest hour:

"For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee."


Hear this and allow the truth of it to warm your heart, soothe your pain, and calm your fears. God knows. He's been there, and He is there still.

Lord, may every hardship we encounter be measured by the cross—Your greatest expression of love for us. Help us to see how great Your love for us truly is. And then, make us instruments of Your love for the healing of others. In Jesus Name, Amen.