. . . . the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life. Then you will be empowered to discover what every holy one experiences—the great magnitude of the astonishing love of Christ in all its dimensions. How deeply intimate and far-reaching is his love! How enduring and inclusive it is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding—this extravagant love pours into you until you are filled to overflowing with the fullness of God!
— Ephesians 3:17-19 (TPT)
As I’ve said before, I grew up hearing that God loved me. I knew this in my mind and I thought that was enough, but it was not because at times, I was still overwhelmed with fear. 1 John 4:18 says that “perfect love” casts out fear. The only one who has perfect love is God meaning that His love for me never changes and will always keep me. So if I accept and experience His love, fear will not overwhelm me. This is a process of changing my belief to experience.
Ephesians 3:17 in The Mirror Bible reads this way: . . . You are rooted and founded in love. Love is your invisible inner source, just like the root system of a tree and the foundation of a building.
When I see a large tree and picture its root system, I see that root going in many directions down deep into the earth. It is grounded firmly in the dirt and can not be easily shaken. The root of the tree is its invisible inner source of strength.
You and I can be like that tree with our invisible inner source of strength being God’s love for us. So how do we get that strength? Begin by focusing on His love for you, not for the world, but for you. A suggestion is to sit quietly alone and say out loud at least 3 times, “God, the Creator, loves me”. While you are saying it, picture yourself sitting with Jesus and see the love in his eyes for you. He is not saying you are unworthy or condemned, he is reaching out to you with love.
God’s love is not like human love which is based on feeling and performance. His love is constant. Remember the prodigal son who returned home ashamed and think of how his father ran to him, hugging and kissing him. That is a picture of God.
Something that has helped me focus on the love and goodness of God is what I do first thing in the morning after I get up. I set my timer for 5 minutes and all I do is tell God how absolutely wonderful He is. Maybe I say, “You are always with me to help me and you never tell me how I messed up. You don’t make me feel inferior or inadequate. You make me feel loved and valued. You have good for me today and no matter what I face, you will lead, guide and direct me through the Holy Spirit. How awesome and amazing you are!” Etc. Those words are based on scripture, but they are my own.
Try it. You will be encouraged and strengthened by His love for you! Btw, He said to tell you that HE REALLY LOVES YOU.
“Dwelling in the heart of the Trinity”
You Don’t Earn His Gift