‘But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.’
Luke 15 vs 20
Did the son have to do or say anything before his father threw his arms around him?
His father didn’t wait for him to do anything before showering him with love and affection. He ran to him with great joy and excitement as soon as he saw him. And yet, whenever we go through challenges, we often find ourselves wondering whether God is displeased with us for some reason, be it a wrongdoing, an act of disobedience, or a mistake of sorts. God’s eyes are not fixed on your ills or wrongdoing. All that matters to Him is your well-being, and how completely he loves you.
Praise and worship is a prominent feature of the church I attend. During a recent Sunday service, the worship team led us in a chorus of ‘I Exalt Thee’. You know the one?
I exalt thee.
I exalt thee.
I exalt thee.
O Lord
After singing the above several times, the worship team proceeded to the following verse:
How we love thee.
How we love thee.
How we love thee.
O Lord
Whilst singing, I felt a prompting from the spirit to change it to:
How you love me.
How you love me.
How you love me.
O Lord
I should mention here that I’d had one of those trying weeks in which you wonder whether God is hearing your prayers; if he even cares about the challenges you’re going through. Or whether he’s upset with you for one reason or another. You know those thoughts:
- father, why is everything so difficult?
– if you really love me, then why aren’t you helping me?
– if you’re truly sovereign then why can’t you intervene in my situation and make things better?
– are you even listening?
– do you even care?
– do you even exist?
To say I was a little disillusioned and resentful of God would be an understatement. But as I sang those words – How you love me – I was moved to tears, as the numerous ways in which He has been helping me began to surface. Like scales falling from my eyes, I began to recognise how his loving hand has been on every aspect of my life – guiding, protecting, delivering, healing, miraculously turning my life around.
No matter where you are, where you’re coming from, or what is going on round you, be rest assured that your father in heaven loves you just the same as he always did – with all his heart. It doesn’t matter how long ago you sought him. Nor does it matter that you feel you may have let him down in some way. All that matters is that he loves you just the same – with all his heart.
Spend some minutes singing these words today and experience not only his love and affection, but also confirmation that he has always been with you – loving you, protecting you, delivering you, healing you, and turning things around.
How you love me
How you love me
How you love me
Oh Lord.