Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Love Beyond Comprehension




”The Lord is merciful and loving, slow to become angry and full of constant love.” Psalms 103:8 


This verse was in my morning devotions, and it got me thinking...


Most humans could not be described this way. Instead we can insert any name and also the opposite of each adjective, and here is how we could describe many people- “ ____________ is bitter and rude, quick-tempered and filled with constant annoyance.”  (Yes, this could be me, and this could be you...depending on the day.)


Take the slowest grandpa driver and put him in front of you as you are on your way to work. What’s your reaction? 


Your toddler misplaced your wallet... how do you feel now?


Someone you love dearly just shattered your kitchen window, your feelings, or your plans. We react negatively, naturally.


But God, He reacts supernaturally, in all circumstances!


His love knows no bounds. He doesn’t get too tussled by your or my missteps.  He doesn’t want the mistakes of our yesterdays to be defining all of our tomorrows. 


In the Old Testament’s book of Exodus, he hand-picked the Israelites as His chosen people, and in my best attempt at a quick recap, He delivers them from slavery in Egypt, gives them protection through their desert journey (like splitting the Red Sea so they could walk on dry land & then allowing it to crash down upon the Egyptians pursuing them), and allows them to eventually arrive into a Promised Land where they could be a free people. He provided food and water in this hot and dry countryside. Yet, all was not well with these people.  They grumbled and complained in the desert and a journey of 11 days turned into 40 years!


Their people began a movement of unbelief. God was angered but still chose love. God provided some guidance in the form of the 10 Commandments, as a way of showing how much he wanted them to succeed. The mistrust of God brought on new worship of false gods, and in time, God chose to give the Promised Land to a generation of younger, believing Israelites.


We are not THAT different than these wanderers of the desert. We can be stubborn, unbelieving, and way too proud of ourselves. We tend to take credit, take advantage, and D-I-Y our way through life without often consulting the One who brings forth the sunrise of our days. We grumble and complain when things aren’t just right, even though we have been provided for time and time again. We, humans, so easily forget His faithfulness.



And God? He shows us mercy every time. He is the standard by which we should live. 


Aren’t we glad He is not thrown this way and that by emotions? 


Aren’t we blessed to be loved constantly, and not just when we behave?


Isn’t it amazing He is ready to hear us when we are ready to chat with Him?


Now, obviously, we are not Him, but in the best of my days, I would love to think that my children, husband, friends, or family would describe me with the attributes of Psalm 103:8...... I desire to be merciful and loving, slow to anger, and full of constant love. My guess is that you would, too.


If I could draw one analogy from this passage in Exodus, I would liken the desert of the Israelites’ wandering to the hardest times in your own personal journey.... but may God’s qualities and displays of love inspire you to live out the same in your life!


While everyone else is choosing to grumble may you not. While the rest of your family is easily angered, may your temper not sway! While others have difficulty showing compassion, may you overflow with it. 


Folks, may these qualities be what set us apart from the rest of the world! May we be so genuine in our character that it is unmistakable that we could be believers of God.


Lastly, may you know the love of our good God. He loves you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). May you cling to Him, run to Him, seek Him daily. You will find yourself set apart and ready for any of your personal “desert days”.  Allow your faith to make a tangible difference in your life and the lives of others.


The verses below are a collection that all describe God’s goodness. May they share the truths that God is for you, loves you, and wants to be in fellowship with you, in ALL of your days in this journey.




For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, neither the world above nor the world below — there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:38-39‬ ‭



LORD, your constant love reaches the heavens; your faithfulness extends to the skies. Your righteousness is towering like the mountains; your justice is like the depths of the sea. People and animals are in your care.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭36:5-6‬ ‭



Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the Creator of the heavenly lights, who does not change or cause darkness by turning.”

‭‭James‬ ‭1:17‬ 



He is good to everyone and has compassion on all he made.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭145:9‬ ‭



So that you, together with all God's people, may have the power to understand how broad and long, how high and deep, is Christ's love. Yes, may you come to know his love — although it can never be fully known — and so be completely filled with the very nature of God.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:18-19‬ ‭