HOW DO I LOVE THEE?

          And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.  God is love.  Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.     1 John 4:16

          “How do I love thee?  Let me count the ways.”  Many people have heard, and perhaps have even said, these words from the poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning.  You may have even wished you could hear these words said to you.  Guess what?  You can.  Just pick up a Bible and read about the many ways God loves you.  In John 3:16, you will read that “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life.”  You are in the world, and you are one of the “whoever,” so God is talking to you.  In Matthew 6:26, God tells you your worth when He says to “look at how He feeds the birds,” and asks, “Are you not much more valuable than the birds?”   In Zephaniah 3:17 (one of my personal favorites), God says that He loves you so much that “He rejoices over you with gladness and singing.”  Only one who truly loves you would do that!  In Romans 8:28, He promises that He will “work all things together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.”  Even when you can’t see the good, you can trust God to bring beauty from the ashes.  In Isaiah 41:13, God tells you not to fear because “He will hold your hand and help you.”  Just imagine how you feel when someone extends their hand to help you, comfort you, pray with you, or just show love to you.  Then think about the One who created you and Who is always there with His hand extended to you.  All you have to do is reach out and accept it.  So often in our pride and self-reliance, we refuse to accept a helping hand.  Let’s not make the same mistake with God.  Every day He shows us numerous ways He loves us.  Even if we haven’t read His love letter to us, we should be able to see His love through nature and through other people He puts in our lives.  

          I would like to end with another favorite verse: “Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.  Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life.”  (Psalm143:8)  When you find yourself feeling down or alone, allow God to bring you word of His unfailing love for you.   Be still and listen for the tender, compassionate voice of your Creator saying, “How do I love thee?  Let me count the ways……”