Sunscreen? CHECK.
Beach Towel? CHECK.
God’s Peace-filled Presence? CHECK.
These photos were taken recently in Los Cabos while I was enjoying my husband’s annual President’s Club trip. The Sea of Cortez is stunningly gorgeous and most of my mornings were spent at the shore sitting in front of this rock. My prayer chair was a mound of sand covered by a beach towel.
As I watched for hours, it dawned on me that God’s love is much like the soothing constancy of these waves. His steadfast love covers us whether we acknowledge it or not. It just “is” and there is nothing we, His beloved creations, can DO about it.
I had a lot of time to reflect as I watched the waves dance their way over and around the rock. I recalled that it took me more than 30 years to figure out that I DON’T HAVE TO EARN GOD’S LOVE. In studying God’s Word over the years, I’ve learned that my behaviors and completed religious checklists do NOT shape God’s love for me. Rather, GOD’S LOVE FOR ME SHAPES MY BEHAVIORS. It’s not about what I do – it’s all about who I am and whose I am. His love is fully mine before I DO anything. Period. This was a life-changing truth and it led me to discover that it’s the relationship not the religion that ROCKS.
This month, I linked His love to freedom not only because of July 4th in the U.S.A. but because I am finally beginning to grasp the depths of His love. Studying God’s Word and absorbing what He says about you and me can truly bring freedom. Freedom to fully believe and receive God’s love. Freedom to reject all the things people say about you that does not line up with who God says you are. Freedom from the bondage and idolatry of living for the approval and opinion of others in order to earn love and acceptance. Freedom from addictions – aka: looking for love in all the wrong places.
It’s been quite a journey and one I am still walking on but when I veer off course I know where I can go. I GO TO THE SOURCE OF ALL LOVE FOR A FILL-UP AND RE-ALIGNMENT WITH WHAT HE SAYS. After my God appointment I am filled with an abundance of love to give to myself and others.
You are loved. You are precious. You are greatly treasured. Because God says so! His love for you is as sure as the never ending waves coming to shore. Here’s a love letter He wrote to you. Soak it up.
ROCKfest? CHECK.
LOVEfest? CHECK.
FREEDOMfest? CHECK.
