God created human beings in His own image (Genesis
1:27). We have no need to be afraid of Him, even if our experiences with our
earthly father were painful. God is our forgiving, patient Father who provides
everything we need as we seek His Kingdom (Matthew 6:33). Outside
of the love of God, our families are fragmented, marriages crumble, nature is
exploited and life holds no real meaning or purpose. We do not even have a
guarantee for our future in eternity.
The environment in which we live is hostile toward us.
Lurking with the dawn of each new day are sinful villains, natural catastrophes
and governmental decisions that affect our life. Some of these phenomena are
the direct result of our exploitation of the earth’s resources. We throw the
balance of the circle of life out of kilter, and then we wonder why we suffer
so much from nature’s wrath. However, much of our suffering is caused by a
chasm in our relationship with God.
When Adam sinned, nature as well as mankind fell under the
curse of sin. Sin separated us from God, but Christ’s redemption regains for us
continual access to His throne (Romans 6:23; Hebrews 4:16). God’s
love covers a multitude of our sins (1 Peter 4:8). He
desires that human beings re-establish a deep reciprocal relationship with Him
of love and trust (John 3:16). Drawn by God's love, we repent of our sins and
enter into an intimate union with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Nature lives in as much anticipation as we do for God to
reveal His Sons in all of their liberty, because the consequences of sin’s
curse will be removed from the earth (Rom. 8:19-23). By
Jesus’ death and resurrection, the gate to eternity is open for anyone who
desires to come after Christ and to follow Him (2 Timothy 3:12). All
relationships profit from our submission to God first. The bond of God’s love
benefits marriage partnerships, parents and children, siblings, friendships,
workmates, and even the Body of Christ in the church.
God gives us hope and a successful future (Jeremiah 29:11). He puts single people in families and makes a home for the lonely (Psalm 68:6). God is a husband to the widow and a father to the fatherless (Psalm 68:5). As we trust Him with our whole heart, commit our life to Him and delight in Him, He showers us with His love and kindness and provides for our every need (1 Peter 5:7; Hosea 11:4; Psalm 37:3-5). What are you waiting for? Surrender your life to God today.
Prayer:
Father God, we rest in Your love and rejoice in You as You
joy over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). We live in Your presence and
Your rest as we enjoy Your gracious provision for us with each new day (Hebrews
4:10; Psalm 36:10). You never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews
13:5; Matthew 28:20). You give us abundant life now and in eternity (John
10:10). We praise Your name and give You the glory and honor,
which is Your due.
Thought for the Day:
When God calls you to Himself, do not struggle; just
snuggle in His love instead.