Dave's Diary

Remember, throughout this year we will see many examples of how we are to love the Lord. But this week, we’re setting aside time to think about some of the reasons why we owe the Lord our God such a debt of love. So far I’ve suggested that we ought to love God because He created us in love, and because of His perfection and beauty. Today, let’s think about another reason to love Him – because he is with us, always!

Prayer before Reading:

Join the Psalmist in this simple prayer before you read today’s passage,

LORD, let Your word be a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. (based on Psalm 119:105)

Before you read, spend a moment quietly getting focused on the Lord Who is with you.

Daily Readings:

Psalm 139:1-12

I believe these verses suggest that we should love God because, despite knowing us inside and out, He still chooses to be with us every moment of every day. He has examined our hearts. He knows everything about us. He knows our thoughts. He hears our words before they exit our lips. And still, despite all our weaknesses and failings, His Word assures us that He goes ahead of us, and He follows behind us. We can never escape from His presence! That is love!

In this life, many people come and go. “Faithful friends” sometimes turn out not to be so faithful after all. But God loves us so much and so unconditionally that He is not going anywhere!! He will always, always be with us.

I am sure that, at various times, all of us have turned away from God, blocked our ears to His voice, disobeyed Him, or even just ignored him. We may even have told Him to “Leave me alone!” But God loves us so much that He has never stopped loving us and He has never, ever left us. What’s more, He never will.

Remember this today, and love God because of it: He will always, always be with you!

Contemplation:

Please take time to ponder this deep and beautiful truth. Repeat this to yourself. Turn these statements over and over in your mind:

• Because God loves me, God is with me … always.
• His presence does not depend on my performance!
• His love alone moves Him to be with me.
• I am never alone

As he lay dying, John Wesley is said to have raised his arms into the air and, with all his remaining strength, cried out twice, “The best of all is, God is with us!” This truth should make us profoundly secure in God’s presence. Allow that to sink in, and then respond by loving God today. It’s surely the only proper response!