Rejoice, God Loves You!
When you witness God’s love, it fills you with joy. I experienced this the other day.
I was in line waiting for a coffee, when I noticed an elderly couple. The woman stood with joyful eyes, a grand smile, as she waited for her hot brew. Her joy pulled at my heart, and I uttered a cheery good morning. Then I noticed her long locks held together with a barrette. I commented on its beauty and length. She said she’d like to cut it then shared a memory—before her wedding day if she’d cut her hair, she probably wouldn’t be married, and chuckled. Her spouse then caressed her long locks with a sparkle in his eye, saying how much he admired her tresses.
The love between them was evident. It lifted me up; however, it also made me think. To be loved and accepted for who you are is something you dream about. As a child I always fantasized of being married to a prince. As I got older I obsessed over Danielle Steel and Jude Deveraux romance novels. One of my favourites by Jude Deveraux is titled “A Knight in Shining Armour”.
I always dreamed of being romanced by candlelight, with my Knight in Shining Armor sitting across of me. My protector, lover, and confidant. Although, that never became a reality, I remember a few events where I experienced romance.
One was a picnic in the mountains, the sunlight golden, as we sat in the middle of God’s paradise enjoying a scrumptious lunch, our horses a short distance as we engaged in laughter. Another took me by surprise. A date who invited me to lunch. I expected to be taken to a restaurant. He surprised me by taking me to a city park where he brought out a basket of food, a bottle of wine and glasses, spread out a blanket and served me lunch. To this day, it’s the most romantic experience I ever had.
Although I was married for 30 years, romantic moments were seldom as he always told me what he planned, except on a few occasions.
I realize, however, what makes the moment romantic is experiencing the unexpected and sharing it with someone you love.
Romance, love, is what most seek in life.
To feel loved for who you are.
Valued.
Appreciated.
Respected.
Thoughtful acts that sweep you off your feet and fill your heart with wonder.
I’m loved; however, I have no concept of what it’s like to share love with another like I witnessed with the elderly couple. To have a deep love for someone after decades of being together, to me, is a gift from God.
I don’t seek it as I know I’m loved by God. He has shown His love for me over the past few months that fills my heart, with words...
“Embrace my love for you, for its eternal.”
“You are so loved. I am with you always in the shadows—shining my Glory for you to see.”
“Embrace life to the fullest, knowing my love for you—like a gazelle, beautifully formed, graceful. I will pour my blessings upon thee. Look up and know that I Am your God. A God who loves you.”
These words enlighten my soul. Although I haven’t experienced a deep-rooted love for another, I know without doubt I am loved by God.
And He loves you.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that He have His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Jeremiah 31:3
I have loved you with an everlasting love.
Not only is His love vast, but you’ll never be separated from Him:
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
It leads me to the Song of Solomon, a chapter God has referenced a few times to me. This love song is how He loves you.
Song of Solomon:
3:4
When I found him whom my soul loves; I held on to him and would not let him go...
4:1
How beautiful you are! Your eyes are like doves...
5:2
A voice! My beloved was knocking: Open to me, my sister, my darling, my dove, my perfect one!
God is the love you seek. When you know Him you don’t want to let Him go.
Why?
He completes you.
Shares your joys and pain.
Is with you always.
Loves to hear your voice—in prayer and asking questions.
Loves when you spend time relishing His word.
It’s His love you share with others. A love the enemy strives to defeat with throwing you curve balls where hope fades and darkness rules.
However, God’s love squashes the darkness.
Sets you free.
Protects.
Provides.
Bestows miracles.
It’s in the busyness of life, you forget the thoughtful acts of kindness—to your partner, children, extended family members and friends. Your day may overflow with a to-do-list a mile long where you’re only focus is to check off each one before you crash for the night.
Meanwhile, the most important things, like holding hands with your spouse, telling your kids you love them, lending a supportive ear to a friend or family member, escapes you, as you’re convinced you don’t have time.
Time is a subtle enemy where you lose clarity on things that matter—being a shining example of God’s love. It’s an easy trap you don’t recognize. It’s exactly what the enemy wants. To keep you busy from sharing the love God gave you.
It’s time to start asking the right questions.
God, show me how I can reveal your love to others?
Reveal areas of my life I need to change.
Convict my soul if I stray off the path planned for me.
Bless me with your peace and calm.
Embrace His love as it’s the shining light in the darkness. A love that breaks chains, wakes you up from your slumber, guides you to be renewed, regenerated and reborn.
Trust in the Lord as He is the answer. Call upon Him in all things and He will answer.
Psalm 118:14
The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.
Make wise decisions and if you’re uncertain, ask God. Pray His words penetrate your heart, mind, soul, so you understand fully and completely the vastness of His love and plans for you.
Walk with Him, not against Him.
Open your heart to his endless love.
To help you in your journey, I created a Prayer Journal based on Philippians 4:4:
“Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, rejoice!”
It’s in rejoicing and worshipping the Lord, your heart overflows with His love. Moreover, it shows God how grateful you are for the blessings in your life and clarity on what you love in life.
The journal is in a digital format where you can print numerous copies of each page. The design is based on a variety of formats to enhance your relationship and prayer time with Christ Jesus.
Prayer is powerful, intimate, and personal. It’s a petition to our Heavenly Father to intercede on behalf of others. Mostly, it’s communicating and expressing with heart felt passion, to a God who desires to hear your words, be in His presence, and learn to love Him more and more.
The Prayer Journals are available as a digital download in my ETSY Store, at Archway Designs by CFC Studios.
Grab a copy today.
Hi, I’m Cathy.
A blogger, photographer, author, passionately driven to pointing people away from new age indoctrination to find redemption in Jesus Christ.
I’m a mixed blend, excited to share all I offer...
Blog-Twisted Roots
Do you find yourself asking questions about new age, whether the practices and beliefs are leading your soul to redemption?
As a reformed new ager, I was saturated in the belief I could co-create with the universe and manifest a life of abundance. But I was deceived. This blog is to point you to the truth of God’s words and how He perceives the new age indoctrination. It also highlights other areas to inspire and encourage Christians in their walk of faith.
Prayer Journals
To help you in your journey, I created Prayer Journals, to build a closer bond with Christ Jesus.
As you grow in your faith, it’s important to dedicate time to be with God in prayer, a quiet space to meet with Him, and invite Him into your daily thoughts. In doing so, you will experience His peace and presence in every aspect of your life.
Fine Art Photography
I always dreamed of being a professional photographer when I grew up. It was a journey to reach this goal. When the opportunity presented itself, I knew it was time to fulfill my dream.
I owned a home-based studio for over a decade but have been shooting images for two decades. Now, semi-retired, I have a collection of my most cherished images of landscape or fine art available for wall décor.
