I can't agree more with Diane's post! God is our loving Abba Father who loves us beyond what we can imagine. A recent devotion caused me to think: I know God loves me, sure, but do I really BELIEVE that?
1 John 4:16 - And we have known and believed the love that God has for us …
In the same way, while we often know how great & powerful God is, that He can do anything & everything (except lie), we don't always believe He is willing to do it for us. Remember the leper in Matthew 8? He came to Jesus, bowed down, & said, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." He had no doubt that Jesus had the power. But he didn't know if Jesus was WILLING.
I have been searching my heart & soul lately, wondering if I, too, like the leper, doubt that God is willing. Do i only know that God loves me, and not truly believe it in my heart of hearts?
As I come to the word, and read "For God so loved the world that He gave .... " I cannot help but linger on those first few words - and then it hits me afresh again. Yes, He loves me SOOOO much that Jesus died, a perfectly sinless man (God's only Son), on that cruel cross, so that ALL my sins (past, present & future) were nailed to the cross with Him. I realise I have to and I really want to daily spend time renewing my mind with the truth - God's word, so that I can understand, experience & BELIEVE more & more just how deeply I am loved.
So it is no wonder, that the book of 1 John is filled with reminders of how deeply our Abba Father loves us. "See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God ...." [chpt 3:1]
Beloved daughter of the Most High King, rest in His love today! And give thanks! [In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5:18]
Rejoicing in His abundant love,
elaine