Verse of the Day - Romans 8:35, 38

... Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? ... I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. ~ Romans 8:35, 38 (NLT)

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How much are believers in Jesus like the 8-month old, when the mom walks out of the room, and the baby starts crying, because of separation anxiety? They've learned object permanence by now, and now their mommy has left. They don't know where or for how long, and they begin to cry.

We tend to equate what we see and feel as the validity of God's presence. How many times have you said, or heard others say, "I just don't feel God's presence right now..."? Or, because of difficult circumstances, we say, "Where are you, God?" Like the baby, we cry out because we think or feel like God has left us.

But like a good parent who doesn't abandon their children, even if they must remove themselves from the room, God doesn't abandon us or remove His love even when we are experiencing trials and tribulations. As earthly parents must allow their children to experience life and some of the unpleasantness that goes along with that in order to develop their character, so God has divine purpose in what He allows us to experience. None of us are exempt from hardships, Paul being a prime example. Yet, he could say with confidence that God and His love are steadfast.

Today, you may be under severe trial and wondering where God and His love are. I encourage you to place your full weight on God's steadfast love for you. He hasn't left you, even if you can't feel, hear or see Him. Just as a baby grows into a toddler and begins to realize that mommy hasn't abandoned them when she walks out of the door, we need to grow up spiritually and understand God's ever-presence in our lives, as His dearly loved children.

May God bless you today as you trust God fully, regardless of circumstance.

Love,
Joelene