If God spoke with you directly about how He feels about you and what He sees in you, this is what I believed He would say ...
My dearest Child, I love you. With all that I am, all that I have. So much more so than you can comprehend. As far as the east is from the west, so wide is my grace upon you. As infinitely high as the heavens are above the earth, so deep is my love for you.
There will always be naysayers, Child. Those who don’t perceive or understand my will and what I’m trying to do in your life. Yet their words mean nothing. Only my truth of who you are and how deeply you are supported and loved stands over all eternity. The rest is chaff, blown away with the wind.
You will not be perfect in this life, Child. Nor will your life be perfect. You will not be unstoppable. You will have moments of struggle and moments of triumph, just like the rest. But never forget the key difference: You have me. I am the Master of the Universe, the Great I Am, your Jehovah-Nissi who waves my banner of victory and love over you.
I am by your side, kneeling next to you in every moment; lovingly calling you to experience more. I am not mad at you. I’m not disappointed, even. Instead, I wait here patiently and lovingly for you to look up and acknowledge me. For I am right beside you, Child. I am right beside you holding your hand in mine. When you need shelter, I settle you gently under my wing. When you are ready to soar, I send the wind to lift you up.
Do you not see? I am your Jehovah-M’Kaddesh, your sanctifier. I sent that which was most precious to me, my beloved Son, for you. To do for you that which you couldn’t do for yourself: to make you clean from the inside out, and to set you free. Because in my eyes, you are equally as precious. Equally as valuable. And through the blood of my Son, you are now as fresh and white as newly fallen snow. That is how I see you. That is my perception of who you are.
Yes, I am aware of your weaknesses and challenges. I see every pain, every heartache. I intimately understand every circumstance you will ever face, which is why my Son came. Never forget I am your Jehovah-Rapha, your healer and the one who makes your experiences sweet. And though many of those challenges will not be my doing, I will work all things together for your good, for you are valued by me. I will bless and nourish you from the inside out as you make your way, because I am also your El-Shaddai. Your peace.
As you reflect on my love for you, you need look no further than the cross. In my Son’s sacrifice, you will discover a love strong enough to brave even death in order to redeem you and call you mine. Open your eyes and you will find a strength stronger than the grave. See my Son, resurrected from what seemed like certain defeat, so He may affirm your hope for a renewed, vivacious life. The empty tomb is your promise, both now and forevermore. For I am your Jehovah-Tsidkenu, your righteousness. And in my Son you are rescued.
Child, I love you with an everlasting love. When you feel ashamed before me, my heart is to wrap you in my arms and remind you that you are still valued and precious in my sight. When you make steps toward growth and healing, I am standing behind you, cheering you on. Every step of the way. Even the angels in heaven, my mighty ones who do my bidding, look on with joyful celebration as you renounce the very things that hurt you and choose to reach for all the good I have in store for you instead.
Yes, I am your Jehovah-Shalom, your peace which transcends all understanding. A peace which garrisons and mounts guard over your heart and mind in the Anointed One Jesus. Yet my sweet, most precious child, there is one name over all names I love to hear most from you. Abba. Father. Daddy. Momma. For you are my child, and Beloved, I am yours.
FOR FURTHER THOUGHT
As we approach Easter, read through the following scriptures. Pick out one or two that particularly resonate with you. Then post it somewhere that you will often see. Let it become a healthy reminder of who you are and how much you are loved and valued before the Lord.
"I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high." (Psalm 7:17)
"We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him." (Romans 5:6-8)
"In him and through faith in him, we may approach God with freedom and confidence." (Ephesians 3:12)
"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness." (Psalm 89:15-16)
"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died--more that that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." (Romans 8:31-34)
PRAYER
Lord, words fall short in moments like these. Your overwhelming love for me is so hard to grasp sometimes, yet so incredibly freeing. Praise and thank you for the way your lavish your loving grace upon me! Praise you Jesus for choosing to stand in my place of condemnation so I could be set free, made righteous in your name. Praise you my Abba, for being all that I will ever need in this life and the next. In Jesus' name, Amen.
ABOUT BARB LOWNSBURY
Barb is a speaker, author, and entrepreneur. She has Bachelor’s Degrees in International History and in Education, and a Master’s Degree in Education. She has spoken at conferences and taught classes throughout the U.S. about faith, relationships, leadership and courage through trial. Her book, Using What’s Broken to Boldly Shine, is a powerful read of transformation through trial. Her blogging is focused on giving people encouragement and strength for their personal journey. Barb serves as the Executive Director for The Dented Fender Ministry and runs a successful real estate, design and development company. She currently resides in Dayton, Ohio with her husband and blended family of seven.
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