I came to Romans 8:38-39, verses that I have read many times, memorized in Awana, and I'm sure I've quoted to others. Today, though, the verses jumped out to me in a new way. Paul is writing to the Roman church, and he says, "I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither 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."
That's a pretty exhaustive list. There is nothing that can separate us from the love of Jesus. The part that stuck out to me this morning was "neither the present nor the future." The things on my mind, causing anxiety and fear, are things in the future... but these verses reminded me that that there is NOTHING, in the present nor in the future, that can separate me from Jesus' love.
So why am I fearful? Why am I anxious? Whatever tomorrow may bring, I can trust in God's unfailing love (Psalm 13:5), and I can know and rely on His love (1 John 4:16).
Jesus Himself told us that in this world we will have trouble, but to take heart, because He has overcome the world, and in Him, we may have peace (John 16:33).
I think of the song "Your Love Awakens Me" by Phil Wickham. The chorus says that God's love is greater, and His love is stronger. So again, why am I choosing to fear? God's love is greater and stronger than anything this world might throw my way. His love is constant, and unfailing. To quote another song, His love is "never gonna let me go!" (Kristin Stanfill, Never Gonna Let Me Go).
Father, may I remember everyday the simple yet profound truth that You love me. Help me to rest in Your love, to trust in Your love, and to know that nothing can separate me from Your love. Then, I pray that because You love me, I will love others (1 John 4:19). I pray that I will live a life of love (Eph. 5:2). I pray that because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You (Psalm 63:3). Thank you for Your unfailing, amazing, powerful love. Amen.
