Desires of the Heart

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Today you may be cleaning up the wrapping, taking down the trees, and the decorations of Christmas will soon be a memory. Although Christmas has come and gone the message and the presence that Christmas brought is here to stay all year long.

Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11

The message of great joy for ALL PEOPLE is that of a Savior. A savior sent by a Father who loves the world (all people) so much!!! Christmas is a yearly reminder of this great gift given to us out of a love that surpasses all understanding. But friend know that this love is continuous and everlasting. There is nothing that changes the love God has for us, not even the passing of time.

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39

Maybe this Christmas you didn’t feel the hope, joy, peace, and love that everyone talks about. Maybe you were struggling with finances, loneliness, grief, sickness, or various other trials. I am here to tell you that God loves you even when you don’t feel loved. We are humans and at times all the weight of the world can steal our joy and leave us feeling unloved. But God, loves us still. Even when you can’t feel it or see it, He is standing with open arms radiating with love for you. Nothing can separate us from His love. Take a moment to read Jesus’ prayer for all of us.

..that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:21-26

In the moments before His arrest and crucification Jesus prayed for us. He desired that we would know the love of the Father, a love that began before the foundation of the world. The love of God has always been there, a free gift, but we must reach out and take it. We must choose to sit in His presence and be wrapped in His love.

Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Isaiah 55: 6

As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:9-13

Abide in Him friends, that is the answer. When you wake in the morning, seek Him. When you walk through the day, seek Him. When you lay down at night, seek Him. Spend time reading His beautiful love letter to us, the Bible. Spend time pouring out your heart to Him, and sit in silence and listen. Worship Him in song. Fill your minds with lovely things that remind you of His love. And then love others just as He loves you.

Dear God, Thank you for loving us unconditionally. We can never earn it and don’t deserve it, yet you love us still. Help us to feel your presence when the things of this world weigh us down. Give us a desire within our hearts to seek you and be filled with your love. Lord, I know for some the idea of your love is foreign. I ask Lord that you would open their hearts to receive this great gift of love. Help us to show your love to the world by loving one another. Amen

If you are struggling with feeling God’s love and would like to know more please email or comment below. I would be glad to pray specifically for your need and share more about our loving Father.

Dig Deeper: Psalm 23, John 10

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