“You may feel alone, swamped by the undertow of life’s troubles with little emotional support, but remember, you are loved by the Lord and not alone.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 24, 2021
In the crowd that day there was a woman who for twelve years had been afflicted with hemorrhages. She had spent every penny she had on doctors but not one had been able to help her. She slipped in from behind and touched the edge of Jesus’ robe. At that very moment her hemorrhaging stopped. Jesus said, “Who touched me?”… Jesus insisted, “Someone touched me. I felt power discharging from me.” When the woman realized that she couldn’t remain hidden, she knelt trembling before him. In front of all the people, she blurted out her story—why she touched him and how at that same moment she was healed. Jesus said, “Daughter, you took a risk trusting me, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed!” Luke 8:43-48, MSG
One lesson I am constantly being taught by our grandchildren is how grateful they are for love. Just a little bit of love makes their heart thankful. Recently one of the littlest ones, Wilson, was unable to verbally express his gratitude for a wheelbarrow ride in our yard—around trees, leaves and dead limbs, which somewhat simulated a tame train ride. Yet, his giggles and patting fists asked for more with a sparkle of grateful glee in his eyes. My heart raced with joy to keep going, while my legs found another level of loving strength facilitated by his sweet face of thankfulness. A child’s grateful love is such a helpful reminder of how I can always thank Jesus for His love.
Jesus, on His way to heal a dying 12-year-old girl, encountered a woman who had a chronic health condition that had plagued her for 12 years. One young and without a touch from Jesus would surely die—one older and without a touch from Jesus was ready to die. Though on His way to the young one, the Lord was not too busy to heal one who had depleted all her resources on doctors and medicine. Now lost, fearful and embarrassed, she needed the Great Physician’s hope, emotional comfort, pure love, forgiveness of sin and physical healing. Her shame made her feel hidden and alone, but love drew her out to touch the garment of God. She may have never felt a father’s love, so Jesus tenderly called her daughter, affirming her trust with healing and blessing!
“Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me” (Psalm 66:20)!
Has Christ’s love enraptured your heart with grateful praise to God? The Lord’s love lingers where other suitors of your soul have moved on to another. Heavenly love is the only remedy for a soul exhausted from earthy ordeals. Fatigue whimpers away when the Holy Spirit romances your spirit with gentle comfort and unceasing love. The love of God grows a grateful heart. Be alert so you can see the Lord’s love in a child’s face and in a friend’s grace laced words. Thankfulness erupts from your spirit when you experience being a beloved child of the King!
Pursue the One who pursues you—and in your pain or shame—reach out and touch the garment of God’s grace. He will not chide you, as you are His precious child—He is ever willing to love you where you are right now. You may be exhausted from exhausting all your options, but don’t give up on Jesus—all things are possible with Him. Settle down, and make sure not to outrun the One who has healing in His wings, by jumping to conclusions or overreacting in anger or fear. You may feel alone, swamped by the undertow of life’s troubles with little emotional support. But remember, you are loved by the Lord and never alone. Be grateful for His unfailing love for you!
“I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness” (Psalm 138:2).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me a grateful heart for your unfailing love for me, through Christ’s love, and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Whose love do I need to invite into my life, and then show thanks to them for loving me unconditionally?
Related Reading
Psalm 31:21, 66:20; Ephesians 1:6; Philippians 4:8
Worship Resource
Elevation Rhythm: Quiet
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