Week 42
Jude 21 “Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.”
This text means that we should always live our lives within the bright sunshine of remembrance that God loves His people. Love is a powerful force, but the love of God is the most powerful force possible.
Christian friend, can there be any more powerful way to fight against depression, loss, abandonment, failure, and hardship than to always keep in view the love of God? It was the love of God that chose you from the foundation of the world. It was the love of God that sent Christ to the cross to pay for your sins and establish your righteous standing before the Judge of heaven. It was the love of God that sent His grace to save you and to give the gift of Christ’s life to you in the Spirit. It is the love of God that provides providentially for you every day you live. While you sleep, the love of God is watching over you, and when you wake, it is the love of God that accompanies you throughout your day. It is the love of God that protects you, and it is the love of God that guides you. Child of God, the love of God is your abiding friend and helper, and the love of God will take you to heaven when you die. You can do no better than to “keep yourselves in the love of God.”
To keep yourself in the love of God means that you remember God’s love for you when you are tried and tempted. Remember the love of God when you doubt and struggle. Keep the love of God for you in plain view when nothing seems to go right.
To keep yourself in the love of God means that you rest your weary soul and your troubled mind on God’s love for you in Christ. It means that you will not entertain any thoughts of divine absence or unfaithfulness. You trust God with your life, your health, and your aspirations. The love of God becomes the focus and continual reminder to you that all is well.
You cannot do better than this: keep yourself in the love of God! When the devil knocks on your door, send the love of God to answer it. When your heart is breaking, mend it with the love of God. The love of God will see you through, and the love of God will powerfully shepherd you to the celestial city where you will live in God’s glory and love forever in heaven.
Remembering the love of God for us humbles us, enhances our worship, grants us joy in living, and empowers us to courageously keep going. If God loves us this much, then we have hope in all situations because of His love.
We are loved by God on our worst days and on our best days; the love of God for us is the constant in our lives. This results in gratitude and joy in our hearts; we don’t elevate ourselves, we elevate Christ. We praise and worship Him for His love; we are humbled that He loves us.
Christian friend, rejoice in the love of God; keep yourself clearly and decidedly in the love of God. This is the path of joy for you.
Prayer: Dear Lord, your love for me in Christ amazes me, inspires me, motivates me, and challenges me. Thank You for loving me, as you do. Please grant that I will trust Your love always and love You back. Amen.