Secure in His love

Do you ever feel worn down by the things going on around us?

We grieve as we see the turmoil and conflicts around the globe. We pray for people experiencing hardship and suffering, aware of some of the uncertainty and challenges facing them.

This morning I spent time on the beach. We feel so grateful for the opportunity to get away and enjoy God’s Creation.

The majesty of the waves and the rhythmic tides soothe my heart and mind.

I watched as a couple walked towards the massive Proposal Rock as the waves broke on the shore and the incoming tide surrounded their ankles. Unphased, they calmly walked on through the surf.

I smiled as I saw their little child in the backpack, carried safely by the father, safe and loved.

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I love to listen to God’s Word, and felt strengthened and encouraged by Romans 8:12-39 this morning (BSB):

12Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation, but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

15For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.

Future Glory (2 Corinthians 5:1–10)

18I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. 19The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God. 20For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

22We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time. 23Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see? 25But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently.

26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. 27And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

God Works in All Things (Ephesians 1:3–14)

28And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. 29For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.

31What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us.

More than Conquerors (Psalm 44:1–26)

35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written:

“For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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I found myself feeling so thankful that we are adopted into His family and joint heirs with Christ.

We feel unsettled by the turmoil we see all around us. But as this chapter reminds us, those who have trusted in Christ have been adopted and His Spirit helps us in our weakness, interceding for us when we can’t even find the words to express our hearts.

His Word ministers to my heart, reminding me NOTHING can separate us from His love.

We can find peace in His steadfast Presence and love. He’s with us and no matter what we face, nothing will separate us from His love. Not even death.

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In Luke 21, Jesus tells the disciples about future times:

“25There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves.26Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.27At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Notice that Jesus told them people would faint from fear and anxiety.

But one day, those who have trusted in Christ will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

Photos © Sue Kuenzi

Abba Father,

We cry out to you. We need You. We are so thankful you promised to be with us no matter what we face in this life.

Thank You that we are safe and loved, secure in Your steadfast Presence forever.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen