Safe in God’s Love
I’ve just finished reading a book by John Ortberg called Love Beyond Reason. I have read a few of Ortberg’s books before but not for a year or so. Every time I read one of his books it always leaves me feeling really good about how great and mighty God is. What is difficult is remembering that every day. I tend to forget it rather too hastily and start to worry about things I’m doing or worry about the future and forget to trust in the assurances God has given me.
Reading Love Beyond Reason was no different. I feel reassured about who God is and how much I am loved by God, but how will I feel in a week or a month’s time? How will I feel the next time someone challenges my faith, or criticises my personality traits or the way I’m doing something? I guess the fact that I’m writing about these things is, in a way me worrying about it already, before it’s even happened!
Ortberg suggests looking at Isaiah 43. God is talking to Israel here but it could also be words to each one of us:
I have called you by name, you are mine. When you go through the rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up, the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour…
…you are precious to me, You are honoured and I love you.
