Three Ways to See God’s Love
Three Ways to See God’s Love
Nature is not my vibe. Growing up my mom would take us to parks and we would go hiking. Sure I loved the part when we could go to the playground, but walking through the woods. Really, what was the point in this? To get dirty? To get eaten alive by mosques? Around our house we had these woods. They weren’t very big, but I never did venture to the top of the hill behind the patio. My brother would explore and build forts, sometimes inviting me to come up with him.
Nope. No thanks. I’ll play on the swings. I like nature, from my window. Too bad my husband is a 100% nature-boy! He loves to hike, fish, bike, hunt, and do all of the camping things. We’ve made compromises these past twelve years, but I have to say: I’m enjoying God’s creation more and more as I get older. I can do without the bugs and the mud, but give me a dark night filled with stars – yes! Hiking through the woods in the perfect 60 degree weather with golden, red, and orange leaves – yes!
No one really knows who wrote Psalm 136, but I think maybe Joshua could have. It seems to give a brief history of what he might have known about God. It begins (after the introduction) with the tale of Creation.
To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:
The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:
The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 136:4-9 KJV)
Next, it moves into what God did with the ten plagues in Egypt, parting the Red Sea, and finally in verses 17-22 it gives God glory and praise for His defeat of the two king in Numbers 21. Both of those events would have been huge for Joshua! They would have surely been etched in his mind.
When I was a little girl, avoiding going outside, I neglected to see what God was trying to tell me. In the way the seasons change, the beauty of the mountains, the softness of rain, and even the intricacy of a leaf point to more than just a Creator. It all points to a God who loves me. Our God loves us and we can see it! Right in front of us. Psalm 136 give us three ways we can see God’s love today.
1. God’s love is seen in creation. The stars, the moon, the sun, the seasons – it all reminds us of GOd’s love for us. Practically speaking, can you walk outside and just look around. What do you notice? How does it remind you of God’s love? Amen.
2. God’s love is seen in salvation. For Joshua, or whoever wrote Psalm 136, the pinnacle for Israel’s redemption was the Red Sea and the flight from Egypt. It was their “salvation” moment. We too, if we have trusted God as our Savior, have a moment of salvation. Think back to the time you accepted God’s love. Give Him praise for the amazing love we find in the power of the cross! Amen.
3. God’s love is seen in provision. Finally, Psalm 136 reminds us of God’s daily provision. He provides for our needs and give us all we lack. He truly is the God of love! Amen.
I encourage you to read the entire Psalm 136 and write down some ways God loves us and how we can rejoice in that love!
You might also like this post on love.
As February moves into March we will be celebrating a time called “lent.” It is a tradition held by mostly Catholics, but the idea behind lent is something I have recently discovered. It basically means a time “set aside.” It is supposed to lead the Christian into a time of remembrance. For so many of us Easter is the most glorious holiday, but do we reflect on what happened BEFORE the miracle of life?
Jesus’ resurrection is the reason why all of us can rejoice, but what about the cross? It is the cross we must also remember during this season. Without the cross there would be no forgiveness of sins and no newness of life.
This year I’m going to reading a special 40-day reading plan called “Praying the Promises of the Cross” by Arabah Joy. Will you join me? For forty days I’m going to be reading a passage related to the POWER of the cross and the PROMISE we have through Christ’s sufferings.
I pray God will use it to remind me of the hope and LOVE He has for me this Easter season. I hope you will join me! You can order a copy here.*
This 40-Day Kit is the quickest, easiest way to establish a prayer habit. We’ve hand picked 40 daily scriptures to pray, included ready-made journal sheets, instructions, weekly devos to dive deeper, and more. This Kit has been updated for 2018 and is better than ever! It’s available for immediate download (PDF) for just $10.
Not only will you be reading passages related to the cross, but it is a PERFECT way to kick start your prayer habit. Order here.
**Affiliate link