I enjoy reading the lyrics of old hymns. Sometimes I stumble over the archaic language, but I often find myself resting on a phrase that strikes my soul with fresh grace.
Hallelujah! Thou, Lord Jesus,
Canst not cease to love.*
I am caught by the sturdiness of the thought: Jesus cannot cease to love. It’s who He is. No matter my life’s circumstances or my weaknesses, He loves me. He has from eternity past, and He will into the future with no end. Nothing rests on me. Everything rests on Him. What a relief! This foundation of unwavering, devoted love is the root of all my hope.
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!— Psalm 107:1 ESV
Yet God’s love can become muted in a season of pain. To help me remember His voice of love, I keep a list of specific memories that whisper insistently, God loves you. For real. I pull it out and read it—not just letting my eyes skim the words, but slowly relishing and reliving moments as they happened. I taste again the tangible, sweet fruit of God’s love.
ACTION: What evidence of God’s love have you experienced recently? What are you longing for God to do to express His love to you? Tell Him about it. Consider creating your own list that helps you recall God’s love for you.
*“Blessed Lord, Our Hallelujahs” by Philip Paul Bliss (1838-1876)
