February Meditation

“Consider the kind of extravagant love the Father has lavished on us—He calls us children of God! It’s true; we are His beloved children...”

1 John 3:1 (The Voice)

On this week, so full of love, pink hearts, chocolate covered cherries, and Valentine wishes, I thought we should stop and meditate on what Scripture has to say about God’s love for us.

You see, for some this is a beautifully romantic week, but for others it is a painful reminder of a relationship that has either ended or of one they desperately long for. My hope is that wherever you may find yourself this week, your heart is attuned to the one true love that trumps all others – God’s love for you.

Let’s begin by reading the verse above out loud. I know, it may feel strange at first, but just try it. This very act will take the truth of this verse to a different level as we now are not only engaging our eyes by reading but also our ears by hearing God’s truth and our mouth by speaking it. The more senses we can engage, the more our brain absorbs.

Ok, let’s do this…

“Consider the kind of extravagant love the Father has lavished on us—He calls us children of God! It’s true; we are His beloved children...”

Again…

“Consider the kind of extravagant love the Father has lavished on us—He calls us children of God! It’s true; we are His beloved children...”

One more time…

“Consider the kind of extravagant love the Father has lavished on us—He calls us children of God! It’s true; we are His beloved children...”

What is jumping out at to you as you see and hear the words? If nothing is coming yet, that’s ok, just give it a few more reads. What comes is going to be different for each of you, but that’s what makes God’s word “alive and moving” (Hebrews 4:12, The Voice).

Several words jump out to me, but one phrase keeps piercing my heart, drawing my gaze back again and again…

“His beloved children.”

How it changes things when I allow myself to bask in the glory of truly believing I am a “beloved child of God.” As I close my eyes the picture that forms is one I always go to when embracing this truth of being God’s child. It is of me curled up in the lap of my King as he sits on his throne. It is not an image of fear or punishment, but one of unconditional love and affection. It is safe and peaceful as all the concerns of life melt away and I just get “to be” with God.

I love this image because it centers me, reminding me He is the only one in my life who deserves a throne and it is His job to take care of me. Whew! What a relief that brings.

What about you? Spend some more time meditating on this verse and see what God may have to reveal to you. If you’re willing, share your thoughts in a comment as we all find encouragement from the journey of others with God.

Blessings to you, my beloved brothers and sisters in Christ!