judydippel.com

by Judy Dippel

3 Long ago the Lord said to Israel:
“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love.
With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” Jeremiah 31:3 NLT

I’ll never get over it. Since love is defined as a profoundly tender affection for another person and a feeling of warm personal attachment, isn’t the promise absolutely remarkable that is given to each one of His people in this verse? I’ll honestly never get over it—God loves you…and He loves me! As far as I’m concerned, it’s absolutely amazing.

What does this really mean for us right now? Thankfully, for one thing, it means we are never alone. Through this love, we are drawn to Jesus, a loyal friend. When we receive Him, we are infused with love that brings light to the darkness, leaving us forgiven and restored.

It’s a lifelong process to grasp this love, and like any relationship we begin to mirror and reciprocate the love, and ‘grow up” through His example. We feel it’s a love to be trusted, and we begin to perceive the volumes of truth and grace it speaks into our lives.

I find it irresistible to be cared for in such a way, forever—constantly recurring, eternal—unlike any other experience. As I’ve walked with God Almighty, I’ve continually been awakened to the authority and power that is a very important element of this love. It’s awesome!

Each of us can walk in assurance because God’s love does overcome all! We can choose to rest in His tender embrace and the strength of this love, but frequently each of us forget to claim its’ attributes. Rather we try to take on the world by ourselves…more often than not, a daily challenge.

Today, join me in striving to notice the common things that threaten to undermine and disrupt your day. Look inward and upward as you remember the authentic capacity of God’s love for you, as it empowers, brings peace and pours love deep within. What a gift—the promise that God will draw you to Himself. It is steady and reliable.

So this February, don’t fret if you didn’t get a Valentine, or a special gift, because if you think about it, you are given a “Living Valentine” every day!

www.judydippel.com

author of Refreshing Hope in God and The Art of Authentic Friendship