God's love – Page 3 – The Will to Wake Up

When Jesus Knocks

Does fear cause you to keep Jesus at a distance?

On the morning of the most amazing day in history, eleven men were huddled in a room, terrified for their lives. These men were fishers, tax collectors, zealots, and followers of Jesus. Very notable followers, in fact, for being the original remaining disciples.

Yet a knock at the door sent the disciples running under tables, terrified for their lives.

Okay, we don’t actually know if Jesus knocked. Or if they were really under tables. But given that they had been hiding since Jesus was crucified? I wouldn’t be surprised…

Of course, they didn’t know it was Jesus who was waiting for them on the other side of the door that day. They likely thought it was Roman soldiers who came to arrest them. Or maybe they had heard from Mary that Jesus was alive and they were scared about seeing Him again.

For Peter, he might’ve felt shame at the sight of his Lord after denying Him three times. For Thomas, it might’ve felt safer to not get his hopes up. For others, it might’ve seemed too great a miracle to be true. And perhaps they were worried that Jesus would judge them for being scared?

Just think–fear kept them from letting Jesus in. And arguably very solid fears for their lives. But when they allowed fear to dictate their actions, they weren’t open to the possibility of a miracle.

Thankfully, no wall or door or any sort of barrier–even fear–will keep Jesus out. He appeared to them, showed them His hands and feet, and gently reminded them to have faith. He reminded them that He would always love them and have the power over death.

What areas of your life are you allowing fear to dictate your actions and thoughts? When you allow fear to be in control, you put Jesus in the backseat of the mission. But Jesus is the only one who knows what He’s doing and has complete control. In any car chase, I would gladly have someone like James Bond take the wheel rather than me–someone who knows what they are doing and can remain calm in the situation. But of course we don’t have our own personally trained body guards–we have someone better. Jesus, thankfully, is able to be everywhere at once and advocate for all our needs.

Today, ask Jesus to open your eyes to the areas in your life where you need to be honest with Him. Ask Him to intercede for you and help you trust that He knows where He’s leading you and He won’t let you go. Nothing can stop the power of Jesus’ love in your life–not even fear.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
John 20:19-20

Therefore he [Jesus] is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Hebrews 7:25

I Know You Will

Remembering God’s faithfulness through poetry.

A poem in honor of God’s faithfulness this Lenten season.

I Know you will

The shadow cast upon this night

Makes it hard to see the light.

Wondering, aching, hoping, waiting

The questions keep on coming:

Will you still love me even when I stumble and I fall?

Will you still love me even when I ignore your call?

Will you still love me even when I follow the crowd?

Will you still love me even when I cry so loud?

Will you still love me even when I make the wrong choice?

Will you still love me even when I can’t seem to find my voice?

Will you still love me even when I am ignored and alone?

Will you still love me even when I stray far from home?

Yes you will.

I know you will.

It’s in your will.

Speaking from the Soul

What does your soul want to say to God today?

As we approach Lent next week, I was reading Psalm 103 with the other staff members at my church, particularly focusing on what our souls might be saying to God in this season. Through that process emerged a poem, which I hope inspires you today.

To God at Lent

By Hannah Chung

You created the world so beautiful

Rushing waters and still sunsets

Dancing leaves, so colorful.

In the wind, through the trees,

In a hug, a hold, a smile,

You remember the least of these.

My soul is eager to obey

Your simple call

That whispers its way

Into my heart.

My soul knows what my mind does not

It remembers all the times

You’ve been there for me when I could not

Hold on without You.

But bodies break

While minds ache.

Tragedy falls

While emptiness calls.

Haunting darkness floods

Our veins

Tempting us to forget

Your faithful ways.

Your voice is gentle

Your voice is firm

Your voice is patient

More than we deserve.

Your voice soothes my soul

When I need the strength of eagles.

Help my soul’s memory

Flow through my body.

Allow the trust my soul desires

To transform me.

While You left in physical form

Your promise to never leave us

Is what keeps me warm.

When the cold and the frightened cramp me in,

Still Your love will break me free from within.

My soul, it knows You

More than I ever can

Here on earth.

And I thank You for the peace

That comes from the mystery

Of the life blossoming

In this redeemed soul.

Today, ask yourself what your soul might be saying to God. Perhaps it’s a praise for the ways He has shown you faithfulness this year. Maybe you are seeking answers or peace after a storm shook your world. Whatever it is, God wants to hear from you. So reach out to Him today and let His peace fill you. ❤

Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
²Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
³who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
⁴who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
⁵who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103:1-5

Witnessing God’s Faithfulness in 2022

How has God shown up in your life in 2022?

It’s hard to believe that in a matter of days, it will be a whole new year!

My word of the year for 2022 was faithfulness.

To be honest, I frequently forgot it was my word until I heard someone use it or a particular moment stuck out to me as evidence of “faithfulness”. But reflecting on this past year, I can truly see how God used faithfulness as a reminder of His steadfast love during a trying year.

2022 was a year with unique challenges. After making a difficult decision that changed many of my plans going forward, I struggled with handling my emotions in a healthy way. Instead of working through them, I bottled them up inside until they left me feeling empty and hopeless.

But God used this experience to help me learn to trust others, have the courage to receive godly counsel, and respect myself enough to set healthy boundaries. Most of all, God showed me that emotions, even negative ones, don’t have to be a weakness. God can use them to reveal Himself to us.

I went through several seasons in 2022 wondering when I’d finally hear from God again. But every time I remembered to ask God for an opportunity to witness His presence in my life, He showed up. Perhaps not in tangible ways or how I would’ve expected, but always giving me a sense of hope, a glimpse of His grace, or a sign that He’s still with me.

Through it all, God remains faithful.

As I have grown (and will hopefully continue growing) in understanding God’s faithfulness, God has given me opportunities to encourage others through faithfulness, whether it meant sticking with a difficult job, reaching out to friends going through hard times, or simply making time to be with Him each day.

You may have your own list of ways you’ve endured through 2022. Perhaps these actions seem small, but they hold eternal value.

Did you have a word for 2022? Reflect on this past year and how you’ve seen God work through the hardships and the joys.

God will strengthen your character through every season, drawing you closer to Him. No matter what, He never gives up on us. I hope that the rest of 2022 brings you peace, hope, and excitement for all that lies ahead.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:9-12

Fully Known, Fully Loved

Hope for when faith feels overwhelming.

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
John 21:25

This verse used to frustrate me. Just when I thought the Bible included everything we needed to know about Jesus, it turns out so much happened that not even the whole world has room for it all!

As followers of Jesus, we long to know Him. That’s the true stem of all the debates, divisions, and doubts in the church. Ultimately, we want to be the one who knows Jesus the most and who understands His teaching the best, so that we’re sure of His love.

But clearly, that’s not how Jesus works.

And in that case, it can feel overwhelming trying to understand Jesus when we know we only have a portion of knowledge about Him.

Have you ever read a book with such deep characters, compelling plotlines, and intertwined with an overwhelming passion that you suddenly wanted to know the author? Or maybe you felt like you knew the author simply through reading their book.

The Bible is designed to teach us how to live and understand our history, for sure. But the most important purpose of the Bible is to draw us closer to God. Through reading it, we can better understand our Creator and desire an intimate relationship with Him.

Part of this craving comes from not ever being able to fully understand all that God is. Perhaps if we had all the stories and all the answers, we wouldn’t long for this relationship so deeply.

As I consider this verse once more, I have a new appreciation for its meaning. Jesus gave us just what we needed in order to understand enough of Him to aim to be like Him and to rest assured that we will always be loved by Him.

This Christmas, no matter the questions and confusions you may have about your future, your faith, or anything in your life, I hope you are filled with peace knowing that no matter what, Jesus loves you.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20

The Name You’ve Always Needed

Encouragement for when you feel forgotten. ❤

It stings when someone forgets your name.

Names are a funny thing–they seem so simple, just a word to identify yourself, and often not one you’ve chosen. Some people seem to really fit their names, while others…may deserve some sympathy from overly humorous parents.

I’ve never felt particularly attached to my name, Hannah. I’ve always liked the sound of it, and I’m named after two amazing women. But somehow, perhaps after being in classes with five other Hannahs, the name never really felt like mine.

Names play a pivotol role in the Bible.

Mary Magdalene finally recognizes Jesus after His resurrection when He says her name.

The birth of Israel as a nation occurs after Jacob is renamed.

Abram becomes Abraham after making a covenant with God.

Saul transitions to Paul after his life-altering encounter with the Light.

We could go on and on.

Names are so much more than just a word. They make us feel remembered and important. They give us worth. When someone says our name in just the right way, we are washed over by their love.

And yet, our earthly names are not the names that truly identify us. We have another name–unknown to anyone but God–written on a white rock in Heaven to be given to us when we are reunited with God.

I am instantly enveloped in comfort at the thought of God having a unique name for every single person who has ever–or will ever–exist, the name we have longed to be called without even knowing it.

God remembers you and sees your worth even when no one else does. Even on the days when it feels like the entire world has left you. You are not alone. We have so much to look forward to, but for now, let’s go out and help others feel remembered too. ❤

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.
Revelation 2:17

Close to God’s Heart

Encouragement for when you feel alone ❤

I’m a self-proclaimed awkward hugger. I enjoy hugs, but I think the hardest thing about them is knowing when to let go. The quick side-hugs are the easiest, yet least impactful. Then there are the ones that seem to never end, and always result in a weird back-patting situation.

There are two long hugs that I will likely always remember vividly. The first was saying goodbye to a (very good) hugger friend of mine who wasn’t ready to let go. So we stood there, embraced, and I knew it was an excuse for her to not move forward. As hard as it was, I had to release her.

Then there was a night when I was the one who needed comforting, the one not ready to be set free. Overwhelmed and in tears, I was a glob in the arms of my very gracious friend who eventually sat me down in a chair so that I could collect myself.

What I’ll remember about these events are the love and affection shared within my relationships, but the bond eventually had to be broken, at least physically. There’s no way you can just stay in that posture forever.

And yet, there’s a little piece inside that grows cold when the hug is over. When you feel all alone again. Inevitable, right?

Well, maybe not.

God, being the definition of love itself, is able to hold us close without ever letting go. But God is also capable of moving forward with us, prompting us to grow in the ways we are meant to in order to become the people He created us to be. Yet this transformation doesn’t happen independently. God doesn’t give us a pat on the back and walk away.

No, God will be holding us close through the whole process. That is how we can have peace in the midst of challenging, even heart-breaking situations.

Tonight, whether you feel alone or stuck or confused, I hope you can rest in the knowledge that God loves you so much and is holding you close to His heart. He won’t ever let you go. ❤

And He has raised up for His people a horn, the praise of all His faithful servants of Israel, the people close to His heart.

Praise the Lord.
Psalm 148:14

You are Not Forgotten

No matter how you feel today, you are not alone.

I stood at the edge of the curb, rain dripping down my back, one earbud hanging loose over my shoulder. Angry, confused, wondering what was wrong with me.

And then soft words, as though an angel were singing in my ear, flowed through my remaining earbud:

You are not hidden
There’s never been a moment
You were forgotten.
Lauren Daigle, “Rescue”

That was four years ago, and yet her words never cease to haunt me. In the most comforting way possible, of course. But it’s funny how someone’s simple words can reach into your soul and pull something out that you never thought possible.

I’ve come to notice a trend in theology classes: they always start with Genesis. No surprise there. But this year, after reading these chapters countless times, my professor brought something new to light.

The first time we hear God speak to Adam and Eve, He asks, “Where are you?”. And this question, my professor remarked, is what God continues to ask humanity throughout history. Even now, each day, God might ask this of us.

It’s weird how difficult it is to answer that question. I mean, there’s the simple answer, “I’m at ___ address”, or even if you were to take it metaphorically, “I’m at peace in my life right now”.

Yet I don’t think I really had an answer until I didn’t know where I was geographically.

I was sitting in my room–which had only been “mine” for a few days–in Cambridge, overlooking a river full of punting boats and swans. I couldn’t tell you where to find me or how to get anywhere other than the local grocery store from there. And yet, as I took a deep, steady breath, I finally knew where I was. I wasn’t in hiding anymore.

Last week, I sat alone on the grass on my university’s campus watching the bright yellow leaves float down around me. This campus has engulfed me in loneliness, gripped me with terror, and coated me with shame. And yet, I could finally sit comfortably where anyone could see me and feel well.

God doesn’t ask Where are you because He wants to “get us” for our sin or pile on guilt. God asks because He wants to be in relationship with us, and we can’t have a loving, open relationship without being brave enough to present our full selves. To come out of hiding. To be honest about how we truly feel and what we’ve become.

Ultimately, God asks this of us because He never forgets us. He remembers us. Through the tears that came down with the thunder and lightning roaring inside to the quiet moments where no one knew we were hurting.

God remembers us in the joyful moments, the excitement that no one else can truly understand but Him. In the meaningful connections, the smile after the conversation is long since over, the memory that keeps us alive.

While we’ll always be remembered by God, we can’t feel remembered until we step into the light and allow God’s love to cover any inadequacies we still face.

Today, I hope you can believe that you are not forgotten. God loves you so much and He will never let you go.

I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.
Genesis 9:15

You Are Worth The Cost

You matter to God ❤

It’s just a paper plate.

I kept trying to convince myself of that as I walked in the door last night after a long evening of leading children’s programming at church. Still recovering from jet lag and a full day of classes, I funneled the remnants of my energy into spending time with the kids. Yet, of course, it was completely worth it after reflecting on their thoughtful answers, seeing their smiling faces, and most all, hearing their laughter!

Though the highlight of the night came at the end, when a sweet little girl came up and handed me a plate. It wasn’t just an old plate–it was adorned with multicolored paint splatters surrounding the words: “I ❤ you”.

A smile immediately illuminated my face as I gave her a quick squeeze and a “thank you” that couldn’t have possibly conveyed how much it meant to me.

And then in the hubbub of parents picking up their children and cleaning the giant mess of paint, the plate was somehow lost in the mix. It wasn’t until I got home that I realized my special gift was missing.

I tore apart my bags, just to make sure, though I knew deep down that it was somewhere in the locked up building.

It’s not worth driving all the way back and setting off the alarms, I reminded myself. But somehow, it almost felt worth it.

How funny it is that something as simple as a paper plate can have so much value once personalized. You might have something similar at home: what was once a piece of scratch paper is now a treasured love note; an old receipt is the reminder of easier days; a dusty photo is the last memory of a beloved person.

And to God, we were once just dust particles, and now we are worth the ultimate sacrifice. God would give up everything–in fact, He did!–just to be with us. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus would go searching high and low to make sure each of us are still with Him. He would go back for that one paper plate, no matter the cost or humiliation or time. We are worth it to Him.

Today, I hope you can allow yourself to believe that you are a valuable, beloved creation that has an extraordinary purpose. When God made you, He knew exactly what He was doing. You can’t mess up God’s plan for you. And even when things feel all out of alignment, God’s love for you will never fail. ❤

“I [Jesus] have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
John 10:10-11

Reminders of His Love

God’s love isn’t far–it’s right here, in every detail of your life.

God’s love shows up in mysterious ways. Yesterday, it came in a lost receipt.

Recently, I’ve been struggling to figure out a lot of things, including where God is during this stage of my life. I know He’s always there, but it’s hard to remember that during the seasons when life feels directionless. An additional concern is my health, which has taken some unexpected turns over the summer.

Last evening, after a day of asking God for strength and answers, I was running around the house in search of a receipt I needed to turn in for reimbursement for my job. I turned over objects, reshuffled the dining room table (which is always too cluttered to eat on anyway), and poked through every possible location it could be in.

As I headed up the stairs, I silently asked God for help. Literally less than a minute later, in the one place I didn’t think to check, there was the receipt.

Honestly, most of my “big” questions weren’t resolved last night. Yet God was still showing up, reminding me that even the small things matter to Him. When we pay attention to how God is within every detail of our lives, we can have peace even in uncertainty.

Today, no matter what you are going through, I hope you can give God the things that are burdening your heart. Everything feels so ginormous when we’re caught up in them, yet God has a plan to use it all for good, even when it doesn’t feel good right now.

God has an extraordinary plan for you.

You may not feel like it when the days begin to take their toll on you, or when you aren’t at the point you thought you’d be at by now. Yet God is in control, and that promise will never fail. ❤