Jesus loves me, this I know? Do I know? Do I feel His love in the midst of a pandemic?! All lives across the globe have been affected. Probably the strongest saint has been tested in some way. That sweet little song begs us to explore and examine our relationship with the only One who can make a difference in our lives from the inside out. Our dependency on His goodness runs deep. If He doesn’t love us, then who really does?! When we are not aware of His presence in our lives, hardships seem even harder. As believers, He is always there, but we are not always aware that He is there.
Jesus loves me, this I know?! The enemy wants us to ask this question over and over, while filling us with doubt. He knows that if he can get us to doubt God’s love, he's got us right where He wants us—back in the garden of questioning God’s goodness and provision.
Yes, “Jesus loves me this I know” is more than just a kid’s song. Knowing that Jesus loves us on an emotional level will guide and keep us anchored in the storms of life. Only Jesus’ love can fill us with joy and keep us singing as we go. Unfortunately, too many times we believe God loves us in our heads, without this reality penetrating our hearts. Why is this? We all have our tailor-made answers.
God’s love may seem evasive, and God Himself aloof. There’s a saying that I heard a long time ago, “When God seems far away, guess who moved?” We typically move away when we are upset with Him, or know we are acting displeasingly. Nevertheless, His love remains steadfast and immovable, not that fickle kind of love. The Father invites us to come and pour out our hearts before Him. The enemy entices us away from God whispering his lies of provision. He knows what voice to portray in his enticing. May we not fall prey to his lies, but pursue and rest in the Father’s love. We need to know His love in a whole new way, in the uncertainty of our days.
Many people have experienced significant loss in recent months. Grief permeates the air. Even from afar, we feel the pain others are feeling. Loss affects our ability to see and hear clearly. We need those who know how to love us well, help us to see, and experience God’s love. Be wary of anyone who unknowingly brings doubt into your environment. Those who know how to love well express love, acceptance, warmth, and belonging. Experiencing lack in these areas can be especially painful. These difficult times give us an opportunity to assess our relationships. Which ones are healthy and life-giving? Which ones bring trouble and turmoil? Proverbs 4:23 encourages us to guard our hearts.
Photo credit: Rod Long on Unsplash.com.
When we have a deep sense of God’s love for us, we can weather emotional storms more easily. We are continually learning that God does love us and always has a plan for our good. Honesty before God fosters a love relationship with Him, and two way communication—listening and receiving.
If you are struggling to know and feel God’s love today, consider these things:
1) When was the last time you felt God’s love for you?
2) Who or what is hindering your knowing and experiencing God’s love in this season of your life?
3) What is it that you need to say to God? You can be honest.
4) What changes do you need to make for God’s love to flow freely into your heart and life?
5) What are you longing to hear God say to you? Writing and journaling are spiritual practices that help me stay well connected with God’s love. If writing is not your thing, consider how you best communicate with God, and don’t neglect that mode and time with Him.
Listen to these words and allow them to soothe your mind and move right down into your heart:
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love” (John 15:9).
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For 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” (Romans 8:35-39).
Even so come Lord Jesus. Let your love pour over me and my loved ones, and yes, the whole world. Amen.
Skip McDonald is an author, speaker, nurse and resource specialist for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship—a college campus ministry. Skip has a passion for wholistic living in body, soul and spirit. She champions mental and emotional health, notably in the faith community. As a psychiatric nurse and Mental Health First Aid Instructor, she brings a wealth of experience. She is currently writing several mental health Bible studies, looking at Scripture through the lens of mental and emotional health. She is the founder of Integrative Grace, LLC, a discipleship ministry and Freedomsize Worship Fitness, LLC.
Skip is the author of “Christ, My Life-The Great Exchange,” “The Garden of My Heart” and “And She Lived Happily Ever After.” She resides in Smyrna, GA serving with InterVarsity in the southeast. She can be contacted through skipmcdonald.org.
